Posted Feb 19, 2018, Updated Jun 01, 2024 Nothing compares to freshly baked bread (like these homemade dinner rolls and this pretzel bread). The smell, the taste, it’s truly a beautiful thing. Even the process is therapeutic. From the first rise of the dough to the first slice of the finished product, the whole experience makes a house feel like a home. This Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread is one of our favorites. I love this honey wheat bread because it’s healthier and more delicious than store-bought breads. You know exactly what you are eating and feeding your family with zero preservatives or artificial ingredients. Plus using white whole wheat flour in place of refined white flour is an easy way to add nutrients when you bake because it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Homemade Honey Wheat Bread: Substitutions
Honey. I have only ever made this bread with honey. I am guessing that another liquid sweetener, like maple syrup or agave, could work well in this recipe. However, since I have not tried it I cannot guarantee results! Canola oil. Any neutral oil works well in this recipe: avocado oil, melted coconut oil, olive oil, etc. Melted butter also is a great substitute. All-purpose flour. you can use all whole wheat flour but the bread will be much denser. If you would like to do this, I would suggest white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour. Whole wheat flour. White whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour are great substitutes.
How to Make Homemade Honey Wheat Bread
Let’s walk through this recipe together, and don’t forget to watch the video. You can mix the dough in a standing mixer using a dough hook or by hand. It’s very easy to do either way. The first step is proofing the yeast. Combine the water, honey and yeast in your mixing bowl and let rest until foamy – about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and use the dough hook or a wooden spoon to combine. Add enough flour for the dough to form a slightly tacky ball. Then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel to rise until doubled in volume. This honey wheat bread recipe involves two rises. First the dough rises in the bowl and the second time around it rises in the loaf pan. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer it to a greased loaf pan. If desired, press the oatmeal on top of the loaf. If the oats do not stick well, brush the top of the loaf with water or milk, then add the oats. Cover the loaf pan with the damp tea towel and let rise until it is just at the top of the loaf pan. Then, bake the honey wheat bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf makes a hollow sound when hit with a wooden spoon. Or, until the internal temperature of the loaf is 185 degrees F. If the top is browning too quickly loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil and move to a lower rack in the oven.
Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire cooling rack for at least 10 minutes, or more if you have time. Then, remove the honey wheat bread from the pan, transfer it to a cooling rack and cover it with a towel. This will keep the bread warmer for longer, and it will also help the crust stay nice and soft. There are so many ways to serve this honey wheat bread. The first, is warm and plain with a slather of cinnamon honey butter, peanut butter, apple butter, jam, etc. Or, use it to make your favorite sandwiches. Some suggestions include: the best BLTs, chicken salad sandwich, turkey cranberry sandwich, grilled cheese, etc.
Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze
Slice the loaf into individual slices, wrap it in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. I suggest slicing so if you only want to remove one or two slices at a time to enjoy you can. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
