What Is Whole-wheat pastry flour and How Can I Use It?

Wondering what to do with whole-wheat pastry flour? This guide covers how to pick it, cook it, store it, and swap it, plus 211 recipes to put it to work.

What is whole-wheat pastry flour?

Whole wheat pastry flour is a low-protein flour milled from soft white wheat with the bran and germ left in. It gives you the nutty flavor and fiber of whole wheat without the chew that regular whole wheat flour brings to tender baked goods.

It comes down to protein. At roughly 8 to 9 percent it sits close to white pastry or cake flour and well below all-purpose, so it forms little gluten and bakes up soft.

That makes it the whole-grain flour to reach for when you want muffins, scones, and pie crust that stay delicate. See the flour hub for how it fits the wider family.

Where It Works Best

Use it anywhere tenderness matters more than rise: muffins, quick breads, cookies, biscuits, pancakes, and pastry. It folds whole-grain nutrition into recipes that would turn tough with standard whole wheat flour.

Pie and tart dough is where it earns its keep. A Whole Wheat Tart Crust or a rustic Fresh Peach Galette stays flaky because the low protein keeps the crust from tightening.

It is just as good in morning baking, from Banana Buttermilk Pancakes to a batch of Pear-Pecan Muffins.

Getting the Best Results

The flavor leans toward bread baking: honey, maple, banana, apple, warm spices, and toasted nuts all suit it.

What it cannot do is rise like a bread flour. Do not use it for yeast loaves expecting a tall, chewy crumb, because the weak gluten will give you a dense, squat result.

The other common slip is overmixing. Whole-grain flours drink more liquid, so a batter can look dry and tempt you to keep stirring. That develops what little gluten there is and toughens the crumb. Mix just until combined and let it rest a minute.

Swaps That Work

The cleanest substitute is regular pastry flour or cake flour for an even more tender, paler result; you lose the whole-grain flavor but keep the texture.

To approximate it, blend white pastry flour with a small share of regular whole wheat flour. You can also cut all-purpose with cornstarch, about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup, to drop the effective protein.

In the other direction, regular whole wheat flour works in a pinch, but the crumb comes out denser and chewier.

Buying and Storage

Look for it labeled whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat pastry flour, often near the specialty and organic flours. Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur are widely stocked options.

Because the germ and its oils remain, it spoils faster than white flour. Keep it airtight in a cool pantry for up to three months, or in the freezer for up to a year.

Let it come to room temperature before baking. A rancid, sharp smell means it is past its prime.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find whole-wheat pastry flour: Whole-wheat pastry flour is usually found in the baking supplies section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Pastry flour, whole wheat is a member of the Cereal Grains and Pasta US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

糕点面粉，全麦

British (UK) term

Pastry flour, whole wheat

en français

farine de blé entier pâtisserie

en español

harina de pastelería trigo entero

How much does whole-wheat pastry flour weigh?

Related

Cereal Grains and Pasta

Recipes using whole-wheat pastry flour

There are 211 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Dairy-Free Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes

A dairy-free and eggless whole-wheat apple pancake.

Oreo Cookie & Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

Store-bought chocolate ice cream mixed with toasted walnuts and dried cherries, with homemade oreo cookies make these addictively delicious ice cream sandwiches that will for sure please your sweetest tooth :)

Golden Wheat Pancakes

Golden wheat pancakes are vegan, egg-free, dairy-free flapjacks built on whole wheat pastry flour, oat flour, and wheat germ. Sweetened with brown rice syrup, topped with fresh fruit and maple.

Gruyère Whole Wheat Biscuits with Herbs

Gruyere whole wheat biscuits, flaky buttermilk biscuits laced with nutty Gruyere, fresh thyme, and marjoram. Cold butter and whole wheat pastry flour give them tender, savory layers with a wholesome edge.

Whole Wheat One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Moist chocolate cake made healthier with whole wheat pastry flour, canola oil, and buttermilk. Hot coffee deepens chocolate flavor for 12 servings.

Light & Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes

Light and fluffy whole wheat pancakes are vegan and egg-free: soy milk and cider vinegar make a buttermilk-style batter that puffs up tender, with whole wheat pastry flour, cornmeal and cinnamon. A wholesome breakfast.

Spa Buttermilk Pancakes

Spa-style buttermilk pancakes with whipped egg whites for cloud-like lift and a whole wheat pastry flour boost. Lighter, fluffier, and ready in 30 minutes.

Whole Grain Spice Pumpkin Muffins

Whole grain spice pumpkin muffins with whole wheat pastry flour, bran, honey, dates, and raisins. Naturally sweetened, fiber-rich fall muffins with warm spices and orange zest.

Vanilla Bean Banana Bread

A welcome twist on the classic banana bread recipe. It incorporates the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla beans to elevate the taste of the moist and tender banana bread. The vanilla bean adds a depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the ripe bananas.

Almost Whole Wheat Lemon & Berry Muffins

Almost whole wheat lemon berry muffins blitz fresh lemon zest into the sugar for bright citrus flavor, then fold in raspberries or blueberries. Light, tangy buttermilk muffins with a wholesome whole-grain base.

Low-fat Double Chocolate Brownies

Low-fat double chocolate brownies that don't taste like a compromise: unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, and chocolate chips with applesauce standing in for most of the butter. Rich, fudgy, and made with whole wheat flour.

Upside Down Nectarine Muffins

Upside-down nectarine muffins with caramelized brown sugar tops, yogurt-tender crumb, and warm cinnamon spice. A lighter brunch treat that flips out beautifully every time.

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

Wholesome whole wheat peanut butter muffins sweetened with molasses, not sugar, and quick to mix in one bowl. Crunchy peanut butter and whole wheat pastry flour make a hearty, lightly sweet breakfast or snack.

Breakfast Whole Wheat Waffles

Whole wheat waffles with a make-ahead overnight yeast batter for deep flavor and a crisp, golden crust. Buttermilk, oats, and whipped egg whites keep them light and high in fiber. Just drizzle with maple syrup.

Pear Almond Clafouti with Red Wine Glaze

A whole-wheat vegan pear clafouti with almond meal base, naturally sweetened with fruit juice concentrate, finished with a glossy red wine glaze. A French-inspired dessert without dairy or refined sugar.

Lemon Meringue Tart

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Best Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whole wheat chocolate chip cookies made lighter with canola oil, egg whites and whole wheat pastry flour. Chewy, lower-fat cookies with all the chocolate and none of the heaviness.

Maple Whole Wheat Scones

Maple whole wheat scones sweetened only with real maple syrup, with tart dried cranberries, orange zest, and warm nutmeg. A refined-sugar-free, whole-grain dome scone scored into wedges.

Whole Wheat Yeast Waffles

Yeast-leavened whole wheat waffles use rising time instead of baking powder for crisp, deeply tangy waffles. No eggs, no oil, just whole wheat pastry flour, bran, molasses, and yeast.

High-Fibre Apple Pancakes

This whole-wheat apple pancake is high in fibre, uses yeast and is completely dairy-free.

Fourth of July Flag Apple Tart

Instead of using cake mix to make a cake, we use whole wheat pastry flour to make a tart, and we fill up the tart with sliced apples, sprinkling with some sugar, after making this delicious and healthy apple tart, we decorate with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Definitely will impress everyone, and enjoy this delicious flag apple tart without guilt.

Cinnamon Raisin Apple Muffins

Cinnamon raisin apple muffins are wholesome whole-wheat muffins with no added sugar, sweetened naturally by apple juice and applesauce. Egg-free and dairy-free, they double as a make-ahead jar mix gift.

Paneer Paratha

A chapti (whole-wheat roti) stuffed with paneer (farmers cheese) enriched with Indian spices.

Low Fat Quiche Lorraine

Reduce the fat of a full flavored quiche Lorraine by replacing the cream with buttermilk and using an easy press in the pan crust.

Blueberry-Ricotta Pancakes

This light pancakes taste so great, light, savory, they can be served as dessert, breakfast, all love them.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Whole wheat blueberry muffins blend pastry flour, wheat germ, and brown sugar with juicy berries. Vegan-friendly with applesauce, soy milk, and egg substitute. A hearty breakfast bake.

Fat Free Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Fat Free Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe

Maple Cranberry-Bran Muffins

Cranberry bran muffin recipe with maple syrup and wheat germ.

Buttermilk Whole Wheat & Wheat Germ Pancakes

Light, moist whole wheat buttermilk pancakes boosted with nutty wheat germ. Buttermilk and baking soda keep these whole-grain flapjacks fluffy, not dense. A wholesome, high-fiber weekend breakfast.

Whole Wheat Pecan Banana Bread

Whole wheat pecan banana bread sweetened only with maple syrup and ripe bananas, no refined sugar. A nutty, hearty breakfast loaf with a crumbly texture.

Fresh Peach Tart

Fresh peaches fill into an almond and flour crust, the sweetness, slightly sourness, and refreshing taste from the peaches go very well with the nutty crusty. It's a light, fruity and delicious dessert that fits a hot summer day wonderfully!

Grape Snack Muffins

Whole-wheat grape juice muffins with blue cornmeal, yogurt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Naturally sweetened with concord grape juice, no refined sugar. A wholesome lunchbox snack.

Irish Breakfast Scones

Dairy-free, hearty whole wheat and bran Irish scones.

Whole Wheat Rosemary, Onion & Olives Focaccia Pizza

A rosemary foccacia is baked in a pizza pan, spread with olive oil sauteed red onion, topped with chunks of mozzarella cheese, black olives and fresh rosemary leaves. The aramo from the oven during the baking will make your neighbour wonder over to see what delicious food you are making...

Apple Tart-Low Fat & Low Calorie

Whole wheat flour and walnuts make the crust nutty and tasty, instead of all butter, use some butter and some canola oil to reduce the saturated fat without reducing the yummy flavor and texture. Granny smith and some delicious apricot jam are enough to make this tart shine.

Texas French Bread's Fresh Apple Muffins

Fresh apple muffins from Austin's Texas French Bread bakery, with whole wheat pastry flour, juicy chopped apples, raisins, and walnuts. A bakery-style breakfast muffin with hearty fiber and warm cinnamon.

Orange & Honey Cranberry-Bran Muffins

A simple wholesome cranberry bran muffin recipe with an orange-honey kiss.

Peach & Almond Bread with Maple Glaze

Fresh stone fruits, nutty almond and pure maple syrup make this delicious and fruity bread. Unlike peach pie, this peach bread has a fluffy and crumbly texture, with the maple-glazed peaches on top, it is a great joy to have it.

Almond Raspberry Layered Cake

This delicious almond raspberry layered cake is fluffy and moist. Raspberry jam and fresh raspberries make the cake so deliciously fruity. It's also much lower fat, which makes you enjoy it without feeling guilty at all.

Fresh Tomato Quiche with Whole Wheat Crust

Silky egg custard cradles roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, and chewy sundried tomatoes in a nutty whole wheat crust. This savory tart balances rich cheddar with bright basil and the concentrated sweetness of oven-roasted summer tomatoes.

Cinnamon Buns with Cream Cheese & Maple Glaze

Cinnamon buns or rolls are always our favorite. Glaze is made with cream cheese, icing sugar and maple syrup, which gives the cinnamon buns creaminess and extra sweetness. Have these delicious buns with a cup of coffee.

Whole Wheat Tart Crust

This is a simple and easy way to make your own whole wheat tart crust.

Almond Cherry Bundt Cake

Vanilla yogurt makes the cake tangy and moist, homemade cherry filling that has strong cherry taste adds extra layer of deliciousness. By using whole wheat flour and canola oil add some fibre and cut down the saturated fat without taking away any yumminess. Enjoy a slice or two with a cup of coffee or tea.

Fresh Peach Galette

This rustic peach galette doesn't require fancy tart pan or complicated pinchy skill to make a delicate crust. This rustic galette is very simple and easy to make, meanwhile lots of fresh seasonal peaches are filled into it. A definite summer dessert, light, fruity and very delicious, which will satisfy your sweet tooth and the craving for dessert.

Roasted Root Vegetable Galette with Black Olives

Black olives are mixed into the whole wheat galette dough, different kinds of fresh, seasonal and roasted root vegetables, it is delicious!

Breakfast Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Fluffy blueberry ricotta pancakes with lemon zest and whole wheat flour. Healthy breakfast pancakes that stay light and tender with creamy ricotta in every bite.

Mixed Berry Coffee Cake

Moist, fruity and very tasty! An ideal cake you can have with a cup of coffee or tea.

Halloween Oreo Cookies

A home-made Halloween treat that your kids will love. Chocolate sandwich cookies shaped using Halloween cookie cutters.

Pear-Pecan Muffins

A nice Autumn flavor to these light muffins. The optional sugar topping makes a more crispy crust. To make these more diabetic friendly, I used Splenda for half of the sugar. Feel free to use all brown sugar.

Sweet Potato, Kale, & Feta Tart

This savory tart is a delicious way to cook with your leafy-greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, collards and sweet potato or squash. The balsamic vinegar is used on both cooking greens and caramelizing the onions, which really adds a delicious hint, the feta cheese adds the nice cheesiness and well-balanced saltiness. It can be served as a main dish or a side dish!

All 211 whole-wheat pastry flour recipes