Home
Recipes
Breads
Whole Grain Bread
Coconut Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Coconut Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

By What’s Baking

Soft, aromatic whole wheat bread infused with tropical coconut flavors and subtle sweetness, perfect for breakfast toast or sandwiches.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
A rustic loaf of golden-brown Coconut Whole Wheat Bread photographed in warm natural light on a wooden cutting board, with one thick slice cut to reveal the moist, tender crumb studded with coconut flakes. A light dusting of whole wheat flour remains on the artisanal crust, while a small bowl of shredded coconut and a jar of honey sit alongside. Steam rises gently from the freshly cut slice, highlighting the bread's warmth and softness. The deep amber crust contrasts beautifully with the lighter interior, while scattered coconut flakes on the board hint at the tropical flavors within this wholesome loaf.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsweetened shredded coconut</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml coconut oil, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g honey (or maple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml warm coconut milk (or regular milk)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 standard packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp coconut flakes for topping (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook</li><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 13cm (9×5-inch) loaf tin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dough scraper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by warming your coconut milk to about 43°C (110°F) – it should feel warm to the touch but not hot. Add the honey and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proofing step ensures your yeast is active and will properly leaven your bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients – this prevents pockets of salt that could inhibit yeast activity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined. The fat from the eggs and coconut oil will help create a tender crumb in your finished bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium-low and knead for 5-6 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. By hand, stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky – whole wheat flour absorbs moisture more slowly than white flour, so resist the urge to add too much extra flour.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Form the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The slower rise develops better flavor and allows the whole wheat flour to fully hydrate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release excess air bubbles. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a loaf by patting into a rectangle about 20cm wide (the width of your loaf tin) and rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the shaped dough seam-side down in a greased 23cm x 13cm (9×5-inch) loaf tin. Cover loosely and let rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough has crowned about 2.5cm (1 inch) above the rim of the pan. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>If desired, brush the top of the loaf gently with a little water or milk and sprinkle with coconut flakes. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until deeply golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom (internal temperature should reach about 90°C/195°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period is crucial – cutting too soon will result in a gummy texture as the starches haven't had time to set.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once cooled, slice with a serrated knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months. This bread makes wonderful toast and is perfect with both sweet and savory toppings!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 215 calories
🥑 Fat: 8 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 6 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g
🍭 Sugar: 6 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 35 mg
🧂 Sodium: 180 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix the dough with a wooden spoon until shaggy, then knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Hand-kneading actually gives you better feel for when the dough reaches the right consistency.

Why does my whole wheat bread sometimes turn out dense?

Whole wheat bread can become dense if the dough isn't kneaded enough, if you use too much flour, or if it doesn't rise properly. Ensure your yeast is active, knead thoroughly, allow adequate rising time, and consider that whole wheat flour absorbs moisture slowly, so the dough should feel slightly tacky.

What are the best toppings for coconut-infused bread?

This tropical-flavoured bread pairs beautifully with mango jam, passion fruit curd, or honey butter. For a savoury option, try avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt or cream cheese with smoked salmon. Toasting enhances the coconut aroma and creates a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An overhead shot of a rustic round tahini whole grain loaf with a beautifully scored top, showcasing its golden-brown crust against a weathered wooden board. A cross-section reveals the bread's even, moist crumb structure with tiny air pockets throughout. The scene is bathed in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, highlighting the loaf's textural details and warm tones. Alongside the bread sits a small bowl of tahini, scattered sesame seeds, and a vintage linen cloth dusted with flour. A freshly cut slice displays the perfect balance between wholesome density and lightness, with a knife resting nearby on a wooden cutting board.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Tahini Whole Grain Bread Recipe

A hearty, aromatic whole grain bread enriched with nutty tahini that creates a perfectly moist crumb with a satisfying crust and subtle sesame undertones.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins (plus 12-14 hours fermentation)
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf of Carrot Ginger Whole Grain Bread with its golden-brown crust partially sliced to reveal a moist, fiber-rich interior flecked with vibrant orange carrot shreds. The bread sits on a weathered wooden cutting board, surrounded by scattered whole grain flour, fresh carrots with leafy tops, and knobs of fresh ginger. Natural window light highlights the bread's wholesome texture and the crystallized ginger pieces that sparkle throughout the crumb. A drizzle of honey glistens as it's being poured over a warm slice, with steam gently rising, suggesting the bread has just been baked.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Carrot Ginger Whole Grain Bread Recipe

Moist, hearty whole grain bread studded with sweet carrot shreds and warming ginger, creating a perfect balance of earthy nuttiness and subtle spice.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
A cross-section view of the freshly sliced Whole Grain Chocolate Bread reveals its hearty texture studded with melted chocolate chunks. Photographed in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, the bread sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with scattered cacao nibs and wheat stalks as styling elements. The bread's deep amber crust contrasts beautifully with its nutty brown interior, while visible whole grains add texture and visual interest. A drizzle of honey glistens on a slice in the foreground, emphasizing the bread's natural sweetness, with a steaming cup of coffee positioned slightly out of focus to complete this cozy baking scene.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Whole Grain Chocolate Bread Recipe

Rich and moist whole grain bread swirled with decadent chocolate chunks and a subtle hint of honey, offering a perfect balance of wholesome nutrition and indulgent flavor.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf with a beautifully cracked golden-brown crust, placed on a wooden cutting board with a linen towel underneath. A cross-section reveals a tender crumb with visible whole grain textures and tiny flecks of nuts. Soft natural light streams in from a side window, highlighting the bread's varied textures and warm color palette. A knife rests beside a few freshly cut slices, showing the bread's sturdy yet tender interior structure. A small dish of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt sit nearby, suggesting serving options for this nutritious homemade loaf.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Almond Flour and Whole Grain Blend Bread Recipe

Wonderfully nutty and nutritious bread combining the light texture of almond flour with hearty whole grains for a perfect everyday loaf that's both satisfying and wholesome.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic Olive Rosemary Whole Grain Bread loaf resting on a wooden bread board, sliced to reveal a hearty brown crumb studded with glistening black olives and flecks of green rosemary. Soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the bread's crackling crust dusted with flour and scattered herbs. Surrounding the loaf are sprigs of fresh rosemary, a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil, and a few scattered whole olives, creating a Mediterranean tableau. The contrast between the dark olives, aromatic herbs, and nutty-colored whole grain crumb showcases the bread's rustic appeal and artisanal quality.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Olive Rosemary Whole Grain Bread Recipe

A rustic, hearty whole grain loaf infused with fragrant rosemary and briny olives, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired bread with a perfect chewy crumb and crisp crust.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
3 hours 30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a freshly baked round loaf of Parmesan Herb Whole Wheat Bread on a rustic wooden board, with a cross-section slice revealing the hearty texture studded with vibrant green herbs and pockets of melted cheese. The bread's crust is deeply golden and dusted with additional Parmesan and herbs, catching the soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. A small dish of olive oil, a butter knife, and scattered fresh herbs add context around the bread, while the crumb texture shows perfect air pockets throughout the wholesome wheat interior. Steam rises gently from the just-cut slice, emphasizing its freshness and inviting aroma.
Breads
Whole Grain Bread

Parmesan Herb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Rustic whole wheat bread enriched with aromatic herbs and savory Parmesan cheese creates a satisfyingly chewy loaf with a golden, crispy crust and tender, flavorful interior.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
3 hours (including rise time)
Cook Time:
40 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe