Wholesome Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Elevate your homemade bread game with this Wholesome Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread recipe, a simple yet satisfying way to bake a hearty and nutritious loaf from scratch. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, and a touch of olive oil or butter, this bread is naturally sweetened and packed with fiber and flavor. The addition of vital wheat gluten (optional) ensures a soft, bakery-style texture, while a straightforward kneading and rising process guarantees professional-quality results every time. Perfectly golden and irresistibly aromatic, this bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your favorite soups. With just 90 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of baking, you can enjoy fresh, homemade whole wheat bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1.25 cups warm water
- 0.25 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional, for improved texture)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, honey, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Add the olive oil or melted butter, salt, and vital wheat gluten (if using) to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release excess air and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) about 10 minutes before the second rise is complete.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check for doneness with a food thermometer—the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2154 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 2965 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 379.7 g | 138% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.5 g | 159% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.2 g | ||
| Protein | 68.5 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 216 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1657 mg | 35% | |
*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.
