Bake a wonderfully soft and wholesome whole wheat bread loaf sweetened with honey. This easy recipe delivers a tender crumb perfect for everyday sandwiches and toast, making store-bought bread unnecessary.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:1 hour 55 min
Yield:1 loaf
Category:Baking
Method:Kneading and Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Instructions
Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Add the whole wheat flour and mix until just combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops the softness you want.
Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has crowned about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
If you prefer a crustier exterior, brush the top of the loaf with a little water before baking.
This bread is excellent for making homemade whole wheat bread sandwiches.