Discover the perfect balance of wholesome and sweet with this *Incredible Honey Wheat Bread—No Bread Machine Required*! Crafted with a blend of hearty whole wheat and soft all-purpose flours, this homemade bread is naturally sweetened with honey for a touch of comforting sweetness in every bite. This no-fuss recipe relies on simple ingredients like olive oil, active dry yeast, and a pinch of salt, making it an approachable baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Skip the bread machine and embrace the joy of kneading by hand, creating a soft and elastic dough that rises beautifully. In just under two hours, you’ll have a golden, bakery-quality loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or a warm slather of butter. With step-by-step instructions and an irresistible aroma, this honey wheat bread will quickly become a family favorite!
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
Step 2: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
Step 3: Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of whole wheat flour to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, transfer it to a floured surface.
Step 5: Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If needed, add a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
Step 6: Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat the surface of the dough with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Step 8: Cover the loaf pan loosely with a towel and allow the dough to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Calories |
1982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.5 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3563 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 378.9 g | 138% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.5 g | 127% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.1 g | ||
| Protein | 53.7 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 112 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 1348 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.