Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Honey Whole Wheat Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Its wholesome taste makes it perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to those who enjoy nutritious, homemade bread with a touch of natural sweetness from honey.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup dry milk
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
  • 1 beaten egg
  • sesame seed or poppy seed

Instructions

  1. Combine water, honey, and oil in a saucepan and heat to lukewarm. Pour into a large mixing bowl and re-check temperature.
  2. Stir in the powdered milk, salt, yeast, and 3 cups of whole wheat flour.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Add the rest of the whole wheat flour and enough unbleached flour to make a nice springy dough.
  5. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Put dough into an oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.
  7. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 60 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking. If whole wheat flour is unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be different. Ensure your water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. You can also add seeds like flax or chia for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This honey whole wheat bread is delicious warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Mint Salad or can be served alongside soups such as Sue Siegel'S Stew. For breakfast, top with honey or jam for a sweet start to your day.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Honey Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 3381 calories, with 117g protein, 300g carbohydrates, and 212g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (243% of the Daily Value), protein (234% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

3381 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 117.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 212.3g 100% DV
Carbs 299.6g 100% DV
Fiber 68g 100% DV
Sugar 66.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1053.9mg 46% DV
Potassium 2839.7mg 60% DV
Cholesterol 83.4mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 206.9mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 576.3mg 44% DV
Iron 16.8mg 93% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Sesame

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first. Your dough may rise slightly faster, so keep an eye on it during the first rise.

How can I make this bread sweeter?

To make your honey whole wheat bread sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey used. Start by adding an extra tablespoon and taste the dough; just remember that too much sweetness can affect the yeast's activity.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or an incorrect water temperature. Make sure your water is lukewarm, around 110°F. If the dough is still not rising, try moving it to a warmer spot or letting it rise longer. If yeast is expired, it may need to be replaced.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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