Delicious Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Delicious Honey Whole Wheat Bread:

 

 

 

 

 

You Will Need:

 

2 packages (or 4 1/2 tsp. if you are using a jar of Yeast)

1/4 cup warm water

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup of butter

3 tsp. Salt

2 1/2 cups very warm water (not boiling)

4 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

2 3/4 to 3 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour

 

 

Instructions:

(They are detailed but super easy! You will be so glad you made it!)

 

 

Step 1: In a large bowl dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.

 

 

Step 2:  Add honey, butter, salt, 2 1/2 cups of the whole wheat flour, and 2 1/2 cups very warm water.

 

 

Step 3:

 

Beat with electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl frequently. Then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of the bowl frequently. Then beat in remaining 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour.

 

 

Step 4:

With a spoon, stir in 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 cups of the all purpose flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

 

 

Step 5:

 

On a lightly floured surface , knead in the remaining 1/2 to 1 cup of All Purpose Flour.   Continue kneading 5 to 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and "springy".

 

 

 

Step 6:

 

Grease a large bowl with butter/cooking spray/or vegetable shortening whichever you have on hand.

Place dough in in the bowl, turning dough to be sure it is greased on all sides.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.

 

 

 

Step 7:

 

Generously grease 2 (8x4 or 9x5) loaf pans

Gently punch dough to deflate, then divide in half.

Shape dough into two loaves (I like to use a rolling pin to roll dough out, then roll it up tight, and pinch the seam and ends. This method helps to prevent air pockets or "tunnels" or holes inside the bread ) but you can use any method you like.

Once you have formed your loaves place them in the greased pans.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (I usually let mine rise until the dough is just above the rim of the pan)

 

 

Step 8:

 

While dough is rising in pans, heat oven to 375 degrees.

Uncover dough once it has risen and bake for 30 minutes.

Once bread has baked for 30 minutes at 375 degrees, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until loaves sound hollow when lightly thumped.

 

Remove from pans immediately and place on cooling racks, and as hard as it will be to wait, for best results when slicing, allow to cool completely (about 1 hour).

 

This is the finished product!

I like to brush some butter on mine while it is still hot. This makes for a softer crust. It also slices beautifully for perfect toast, french toast, sandwiches. It's just like store-bought except it's cheaper, healthier, and you can pronounce every ingredient in it and it is baked with L-O-V-E!

 

This is my son, Braxton enjoying a slice of Mommy's homemade bread! So it is also "toddler tasted and toddler approved!"

 

Enjoy and God Bless! 

Please feel free to comment or contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have! I would love to know how YOUR bread turns out!