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Honey Wheat Bread

A soft, hearty sandwich loaf made with whole wheat flour, bread flour, honey, and butter. This lightly sweetened bread has a tender crumb and golden crust, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside soups and salads.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 12 slices
Calories 165kcal

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups warm water 105–110°F
  • 2¼ tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1½ –2 cups bread flour
  • 1 tbsp butter melted (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Warm water
  • Honey
  • Yeast
  • Stir gently and let stand for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.

Mix the Dough

  • Add:
  • Melted butter
  • Salt
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Mix until combined.
  • Gradually add the bread flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead

  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  • Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes.

First Rise

  • Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
  • Turn once to coat.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape

  • Punch down the dough.
  • Shape into a tight loaf.
  • Place into a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
  • Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • The internal temperature should reach 190–200°F.

Finish

  • Remove from the pan immediately.
  • Brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a soft, tender crust.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Chef's Tips

  • Add only enough bread flour to create a soft, slightly tacky dough.
  • Honey helps keep the bread moist and extends freshness.
  • For a softer sandwich loaf, avoid overbaking.
  • Store only after the loaf has cooled completely.

Optional Add-Ins

Mix into the dough before kneading:
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
  • 2 tbsp wheat germ
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Sprinkle rolled oats over the loaf before baking for a rustic finish.