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Easy Soft Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

Close-up of a freshly baked whole wheat bread loaf showing a soft, airy crumb texture.

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Bake a soft, fluffy, and wholesome whole wheat sandwich loaf at home using this simple recipe sweetened naturally with honey. This recipe is perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or more whole wheat flour for 100% whole wheat)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Add the whole wheat flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you prefer a softer loaf, knead slightly less.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a lightly greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has crowned about 1 inch over the rim of the pan.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
  11. Remove the bread from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a 100 percent whole wheat loaf, substitute the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with more whole wheat flour, but you may need to add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of water if the dough seems too stiff.
  • To achieve a very soft crumb, ensure your water temperature is correct for activating the yeast and avoid over-kneading.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the covered dough bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise faster.

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