Bake a soft, fluffy loaf of 100% whole wheat bread sweetened lightly with honey, perfect for daily sandwiches and toast.
Author:Elias Rodger
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:2 hours 50 min
Yield:1 loaf
Category:Baking
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup warm water (additional)
Instructions
Combine the 1 cup warm water, yeast, and honey in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup warm water slowly, mixing until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will remain slightly softer than white bread dough.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough crests about 1 inch over the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the bread from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Using warm water between 105-115°F activates the yeast correctly.
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
If your dough feels too dry during kneading, add water one teaspoon at a time. Whole wheat flour absorbs liquid differently.