Honey-Whole Wheat Bread(Follow Receipt Exactly)
A hearty, wholesome bread with the natural sweetness of honey and nutty whole wheat flavor, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to bread lovers seeking homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Stir in honey, shortening, salt, 1 3/4 cups warm water, and whole wheat flour; beat until smooth.
- Mix in enough all-purpose flour to make dough easy to handle.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turn greased side up.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide the dough into two halves.
- Flatten each half with hands or rolling pin to 18 x 9 inches.
- Fold crosswise into thirds, overlapping the sides.
- Roll up tightly from one of the open ends.
- Press with thumbs to seal the seam.
- Press each end with the sides of your hand to seal.
- Fold the ends under the loaf.
- Place the loaves seam side down in two greased baking pans.
- Brush the tops with margarine or butter.
- Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute a portion of the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. If you prefer a softer crust, cover the loaves with a kitchen towel after baking. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture, and consider adding seeds or nuts for extra nutrition. This bread also pairs beautifully with Simple Fruit Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Honey-Whole Wheat Bread is delicious on its own or toasted with butter. It makes a perfect base for sandwiches, especially with savory fillings like turkey or roasted vegetables. Serve it alongside soups or salads for a wholesome meal. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast option with jam or honey, or use it for French toast for a twist on American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves in airtight bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey-Whole Wheat Bread(Follow Receipt Exactly) contains roughly 408 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. It will help the bread rise better due to its higher protein content. However, you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly, as bread flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Additionally, ensure your yeast is fresh and check the temperature of the room where the dough is rising; it should be warm and draft-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and proceed with the same instructions. Just ensure you have enough space for the dough to rise, and consider baking the loaves in batches if your oven isn't large enough to accommodate both pans at once.
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).