FAQ – Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose white flour?

FAQ – Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour? How do I bake with whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour is a hearty, healthy grain with lots of nutritional benefits. It’s a great flour to bake with, but a full 1-to-1 substitution with white or all-purpose flour isn’t recommended as the result is often dense, coarse, and dry. Unless you bake regularly with whole wheat flour, you should experiment first to find the right balance for you.

How to use whole wheat flour in your recipes

• Test a recipe first and follow the directions without substituting whole wheat flour so you’ll know how the recipe is supposed to taste.
• To begin using whole wheat flour in your Amish Friendship Bread or other baked goods, use this ratio: 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1/3 cup whole wheat flour + 2/3 cup all-purpose flour. If you’re okay with the taste and texture, try 1/2 and 1/2 next time.
• After mixing, let the batter rest for 20 minutes before baking.
• Breads and desserts made with whole wheat flour often taste better the next day, too.

Our top Amish Friendship Bread recipes that use whole wheat flour

Whole Wheat Bread

Slice and serve this 100% Whole Wheat Amish Friendship Bread for your next lunch buffet.

Check out this recipe

Whole Wheat Amish Friendship Bread Rolls

This recipe for warm Whole Wheat Amish Friendship Bread Rolls goes perfectly with a pot of soup.

Check out this recipe

Apple Orange Whole Wheat Amish Friendship Bread

Whole wheat flour and bran make this recipe for Apple Orange Whole Wheat Amish Friendship Bread fiber-rich, and the orange zest adds a tangy zing.

Check out this recipe

Resources for baking with whole wheat flour

• “Don’t substitute ingredients before making it at least once to see the way it’s supposed to come out.” Source: Food 52, https://food52.com/blog/24347-whole-wheat-vs-all-purpose-vs-50-50-flour
• “Swapping equal amounts results in baked goods that are too dense with an offputting flavor. ” Source: Better Homes and Gardens, https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/bake/how-to-substitute-whole-wheat-flour-for-all-purpose-flour/
• IMPORTANT: “When baking with whole wheat flour, let the batter rest and hydrate before baking.” Source: The Kitchn, https://www.thekitchn.com/the-most-important-thing-you-should-do-when-using-whole-wheat-flour-tips-from-the-kitchn-215312
• Some whole-grain recipes (not Amish Friendship Bread, but you can see the density and texture in the photos). Source: King Arthur Flour, https://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2013/08/16/whole-grain-without-the-pain-favorite-treats-using-white-whole-wheat

Do you have any whole wheat baking tips you’d like to share?