Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

The key to creating this soft, bakery-style honey wheat bread is to knead the dough for a full 10 to 15 minutes: this develops the gluten structure needed to support the dense whole wheat flour, ensuring the loaf isn’t heavy. It’s delicious served warm with whipped butter or sliced for toast.

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Honey Wheat Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

How To Make Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

1. Wake up the yeast: In a large bowl or mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy; if it doesn’t foam, discard and start over with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough: Stir in the whole wheat flour, salt, and vegetable oil, mixing vigorously. Gradually add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Knead it out: Turn the sticky dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 10 to 15 minutes. The texture will transform from shaggy to soft and elastic.
4. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and flip it once to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Punch and shape: Gently punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into logs, and place them into two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans.
6. Second rise and bake: Allow the loaves to rise again until the dough peeks over the edge of the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Measure oil before honey: If you measure the vegetable oil in your measuring cup before the honey, the honey will slide right out without sticking.
• Don’t rush the kneading: Whole wheat flour is heavier than white flour; skimping on the kneading time will result in a dense, brick-like loaf instead of a soft one.
• Water temperature: Ensure your water is between 105°F and 115°F (warm bath water temp); anything hotter will kill the yeast.
• Checking for doneness: Tap the bottom of the baked loaf; if it sounds hollow, it is cooked through.

What To Serve With Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

This slightly sweet, nutty bread is perfect for breakfast or savory lunches.

• Salted butter and jam
• Hearty vegetable soups or chili
• Turkey and swiss cheese sandwiches
• Avocado toast

How To Store Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

• Room Temperature: Store cooled loaves in a plastic bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Slice the bread, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. It toasts perfectly straight from the freezer.

Honey Wheat Bread Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~180 kcal (per slice)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated based on 2 loaves yielding 12 slices each.

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