Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: How to Make Better Recipes

Introduction of whole wheat pastry flour

Whole wheat pastry flour is produced using soft wheat which is lower in protein content when compared with others. This flour contains all three parts of a wheat kernel, bran, germ and endosperm which makes it a whole grain. This differs in that whole wheat pastry flour and whole wheat flour have the same end use with just the difference in the production methods thereof.

Whole wheat pastry flour

Characteristics

Texture

Compared with standard whole wheat flour, it possesses lower flour fineness. This is because it involves a more regulated grinding technique which lightens the flour to a fine texture which is very desirable especially in light baked products like pudding, muffins and crepes.

Content in protein

In general, the protein content is 9-11%. This is less than the all-purpose flour texture that ranges from 10 to 12% and the standard whole wheat flour which is approximately 13 to 14%. The lower Protein content ensures that tender baked products are produced and the gluten formation is minimized.

It has a taste that is mild sweet and has a faint nutty sensation because the bran and the germ are still present. This enables the concentration and richness of the flavor of the baked products to be improved.

Nutritional benefits of whole wheat pastry flour

It has some nutritional advantages as outlined below:

Diabetes and whole grain

It is a product made of a whole grain which contain led the wheat berry part offering excellent nutrition including dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals. The optimum sources of nutrition assist in easing bowel movements as well as stabilizing blood sugars.

Phytochemicals composition

It comprises different B vitamins, iron magnesium and selenium which are vital components when conducting multiple aerobic works including energy utilization and boosting immunity.

Wheel whole wheat pastry

There is however, a polyphenol starch analogue present in wheat based flours that is referred to as whole wheat pastry flour which is characterized by a low glycemic index compared to obtained through refined white flours.

Antioxidants

The bran and the germ of the whole wheat flour have abundant antioxidants, which can help fight against oxidative damage and chronic diseases.

Uses in baking

Whole-wheat pastry flour can be incorporated into various types of baked products. It is especially great for:

Pastries and tarts

The fine texture enables it to hold a flaky crust in pies and tarts with low protein content to ensure softness

Muffins and quick breads

Muffled and quick breads can benefit from the addition of whole wheat pastry flour to provide moisture and nutty flavor.

Pancakes and waffles

The nutritious properties of whole wheat pastry flour whose moisture content is lower than pancakes and waffles can also be applied to enhance their lightness.

Cookies

Its use can extend into cookies, which are low on gluten and would require a softer crumb.

Cakes

It may not be the preferable flour for most cake recipes but it can be used for cakes that are denser or would require a whole grain flavor.

Whole wheat pastry flour substitute

There are several options available for a different kind of substituting. It is just fine and light wheat powder which is finely ground and used for cupcakes, cake and cookies. These baking goods call for fine textures. Here are some substitutes.

All-purpose flour plus whole wheat flour

Ratio

Use one of all-purpose flour and one-fourth to one-third portion of whole wheat.

Why it works

This mixture will provide with the tenderness of all-purpose flour and the richest flavor of whole grain flour that’s from dominant wheat even though the texture will not be precise estimation.

Pastry flour plus whole wheat flour

Ratio

Use three-fourths of a cup of pastry flour and one-fourth of a cup of whole wheat flour.

Why it works

Pastry flour will be tender and finer than normal all-purpose flour, so this particular mix is more likely be able to match the soft crumb and texture of whole wheat pastry flour.

Spelt flour

Ratio

One piece of spelt flour can act as a substitute to whole wheat pastry flour.

What makes it effective

Spelt flour contains soft whole grains which have the least possible severe notes, being quite close to wholewheat pastry flour in some context. The texture of baked products does not deviate significantly.

White whole wheat flour

Make it work

In all cases, the use of this flour requires the same amount as that wheat pastry flour.

What makes it effective

Although made from a white wheat variety, white whole wheat flour has the entire grain content. True, its flavor profile as well as color is much lighter than whole wheat pastry flour but otherwise, there’s not much difference in usage.

Health considerations

Eating whole wheat pastry flour is a good decision for a number of reasons.

Dietary fiber

High fiber foods are known to be excellent for one’s digestive system and also help make one feel full which helps control appetite.

Heart health

There has been a decline in chances of developing heart disease with an increase in consumption of whole grains such as those made from whole wheat pastry flour.

Weight management

In relation to weight gain, the concerns with the intake of whole grains trigger normal weight maintenance and considerably a lower body mass compared with refined grains.

Organic whole wheat pastry flour

Organic whole wheat pastry flour is softer flour made from whole wheat kernels ground within a narrow range. More of its usage and characteristics are as follows:

Characteristics

Organic

The flour is produced from plants which have been grown without using synthetic pesticides or synthetic fertilizer and therefore is safer to the individual as well as to the environment.

Whole wheat

Contains all parts of the wheat kernel (the bran, germ, and endosperm) making it more nutritious than refined flour because it offers beneficial ingredients such as higher fiber content, vitamins and minerals.

Texture and protein content

It has lower protein content which springs in the range of 9 to 10 percent as it is milled more finely than standard whole wheat flour. Because of this lower content, there is a softer texture allowing incorporation with delicate baked products.

Baking uses

Pastries and cookies

Because of its fine texture, this flour works great for cookies, muffins and pastries which need a tender crumb.

Pancakes and waffles

Using this particular flour, it is possible to make delicious, light & fluffy pancakes or waffles.

Cakes

For making cakes, it is good to use in recipes which require airy cakes that have light texture.

Pie crusts

Worthy of note is the use of whole wheat pastry flour, as it enhances the taste as well as the texture of the pie crust.

What are the difference of others regular whole wheat flour?

It is different from standard whole wheat flour mainly because the two dough flours differ in terms of protein content, as well as texture.

Protein content- It contains less protein than regular whole wheat flour, which can reach up to 13-15%, thus whole wheat flour has 9-10% protein. The lower protein level makes hospitality flour much more appropriate and easier to make use in preparing soft-baked goods such as cakes and pastries.

Texture-due to the fine inner fiber of soft wheat that weakens gluten, the wheat protein that forms gluten gives forth to a finer structure, hence pastry flour. Regular whole wheat flour, on the other hand, is coarse due to the hard wheat milled which has a tendency to gluten formation.

Why is whole wheat pastry flour better for baking cakes, cookies, brownies and other baked good recipes?

Out of all the flours available in the market, whole wheat pastry flour is preferred by many for the preparation of cakes, cookies and brown bread instead of the all-purpose or bread flour due to the following reasons:

Lower protein content

Compared to bread flour, whole wheat pastry flour is weaker in proteins making it suitable for cakes, cookies, and other baked products. It causes a softer texture which is an advantage when making cakes and cookies.

Whole grain nutrients

It’s essential to note that this flour contains less all-purpose flour than white flour as a result of being composed of whole grain.

Moisture retention

Whole wheat pastry flour is high in dietary fiber which allows it to absorb greater amounts of moisture. This is an added advantage since the end product has improved taste and remains moist after the baking process.

Flavor

Due to the slight increase in whole grain flour, the ‘whole grain’ aspect gives the most preferred flavor which does not drown out the product but only complements it.

Healthier option

The high quality baked goods can be achieved through the usage of whole-wheat flour as this type of raw material makes made products as appetizing as they are healthy.

Whole wheat pastry flour recipes

Let’s prepare a range of scrumptious dishes using the whole wheat pastry flour:

Whole wheat pastry flour pie crust

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 4–6 tbsp. water, ice cold

Instructions

  • In one bowl, combine the flour and salt together.
  • Cut in well-chilled while diced butter till it resembles a coarse crumbly texture.
  • Then drizzle in cold water tablespoon by tablespoon while mixing until the dough has formed.
  • Make a disk and wrap it in cling film or plastic. Refrigerate for not less than 30 minutes.
  • Roll and shape into pie pan then bake according to the pie recipe instructions.

Whole wheat pastry flour pancakes

Whole wheat pastry flour pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda bicarbonate
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or oil

Instructions

  • To make these easy pancakes, start by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • Next, in another bowl, exactly the buttermilk, egg, and butter which really is molten.
  • Combine the wet and dry components, ensuring that they are mixed until just combined.
  • Once the pan is preheated, pour some batter onto the pan and cook it until bubbles start to heat up. Turn it over and cook it until it gets golden brown.

Wheat pastry cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • The temperature of the oven should be set to 350°F or 175°C.
  • In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt and mix.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and the sugars until mixture is pale, light and fluffy.
  • Cream together the egg and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients and then mix in the chocolate chips.
  • Using a table spoonful place balls into a baking tray and sprinkle and cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Whole wheat pastry flour banana bread

Whole wheat pastry flour banana bread

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups of whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 tsp. of baking soda
  • ½ tsp. of salt
  • ½ cup sugar (or to meet one’s requirements)
  • ½ cup melted butter or oil
  • 2 large ripe bananas, peeled and compressed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 gargantuan teaspoon of vanilla
  • Preferred: Nuts and or chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Set the oven temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and apply oil in the loaf pan.
  • Take flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and mix them together.
  • In a different bowl, mix sugar with melted butter and bananas, eggs and vanilla.
  • Combine the two sets of ingredients making sure to not over mix. Nuts or chocolate chips can also be added as well.
  • When the mixture is completed, pours it into the loaf pan and bakes it for more than sixty minutes, and up to sixty-five minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out without anything sticking onto it
  • Perhaps then these recipes can fully utilize the benefits of whole wheat pastry flour and still manage to create not just one, but two baked goodies that are equally satisfying and healthier as well.

Applications of whole wheat pastry flour

Whole wheat pastry flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. Here are some common uses:

Uses of whole wheat pastry flour

Baking

Ideal for muffins, cookies, and quick breads, it adds a nutty flavor and tender texture.

Pies and tarts

Perfect for making healthier pie crusts and tart shells.

Pancakes and waffles

It makes fluffy, nutritious pancakes and waffles.

Cakes

: Can be used in lighter cakes for a wholesome twist.

Thickening

Great for thickening sauces and gravies due to its fine texture.

Organic whole wheat cake and pastry flour

Organic whole wheat cake and pastry flour goes through high milling process but retains the whole wheat grain and its components and is specifically used in baking only. Here are some pertaining statements:

Organic

This denotes that the wheat was cultivated without the application of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and adheres to the norms of organic agriculture. Most often, it complements additional ecological agriculture methods.

Whole wheat

As opposed to refined flours, whole wheat flour contains all classes of the wheat kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. This makes it healthier because more nutrients and fiber are retained.

Cake and pastry Flour

However, this flour has been milled finer than rough whole wheat flour so as to fit puff pastry, cake and cookies. This has less protein than bread flour which assures a more delicate but soft crumb.

Nutritional benefits

It provides more fiber, vitamins and minerals compared to the common all-purpose flour which contributes to better digestion and nutrient absorption.

100% whole wheat pastry flour

It is a type of flour produced through the fine milling of whole wheat grains. The following are some important aspects of this flour.

Nutritional benefits

This type of flour includes in its production the entire kernel of wheat which has bran, germ, and endosperm, and in this way it is more nutritious than refined flours. It also has more fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Texture and application

It is ground into a finer consistency than normal whole wheat flour. This also allows it to be used for baked food products which are not only lighter but are also less dense such as muffins, cookies and cakes.

Taste

A nutty flavor is provided due to the inclusion of whole grain that is favorable for the taste of baked products.

It can be a good food additive since it is possible to have whole grain flour in baked products and this will still taste nice.

Whole wheat pastry flour near me

I suggest that you visit sometimes grocery stores, health food stores or shops which specifically assist in baking to locate whole wheat pastry flour. It may also be available in larger stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, or Whole Foods. For online shoppers, Amazon and specialty baking sites usually offer it for sale too. You could also locate the whole wheat pastry flour in a location of a more specific company only.

Where to buy whole wheat pastry flour

It is widely available at various providers:

Grocery stores

Most supermarket chains have the section for organic or natural foods. Look for brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour.

Health food stores

There is a majority of stores that specialize in health foods and therefore, sell whole wheat pastry flour.

Online retailers

Popular online stores like Amazon, Thrive Market, Wal-Mart, can stock several brands and different sizes of the flour.

Local mill or co-op

It is known that some communities have local mills or food co-ops which are known to have whole grain flours fresh from the mill.

Farmers’ markets

Besides that, it is also possible for some vendors to sell whole grains and flours at such markets.

How to make whole wheat pastry flour

Making whole wheat pastry flour at home is quite easy. You can do it like this:

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat berries (hard or soft wheat)
  • Equipment
  • Grain mill or a powerful blender (Vitamin for example)
  • Sifter (if you want finer flour)

Instructions

Choose wheat

It is always recommended to use soft wheat when making pastry flour since it produces a relatively lighter and softer texture. If one needs to work with hard wheat, then that is also acceptable.

Grind the wheat

In the case of using a grain mill, quite a fine texture is desired so set the grain mill to this and use hard wheat in grain berry form to grind it into flour. In the case of a blender, simply add small portions on wheat berries with water and use the highest speed on the blender to smother the grains. Simply shake the container and go back and forth between high speed and shaking will result in finely ground wheat.

Sifting (optional)

This is preferred by some people when they are interested in a more diluted feel since whole wheat pastry flour is supposed to get most of its bran as well as germ from all-purpose flour and additional something that has been sifted is not required. This step is optional as already whole wheat pastry flour contains more bran and germ compared to all-purpose flour.

Store

Always whole wheat pastry flour should be in an air tight glass container and placed in cold dry place. If using refrigerated or frozen storage measures, this can also ensure that the storage time span is increased even further.

What is whole wheat pastry flour in Australia?

Whole wheat pastry flour in Australia refers to flour made from whole wheat berries but is finer than regular, whole wheat flour. It still contains the bran and the germ so it is more nutritious but because of its finer texture it can be used for making pastries, muffins and cakes.

In Australia, it might be easier for you to locate it as simply ‘whole meal pastry flour’ or ‘whole wheat flour’’. It is a great choice for people who want to uses whole grains in their baking without compromising the look of the food. If you cannot locate it, regular whole wheat flour can be used, but it will alter the softness of the final product.

Is pastry flour healthy?

Pastry flour is produced from soft wheat: it has a considerably lower protein concentration when compared with bread flour or all-purpose flour amount by around 8 to 10 percent. This type of flour is ideal in making pastries like pies, cookies, and several delicacies that require a soft crumb structure.

Scroll to Top