Bake this easy whole wheat bread recipe at home for soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches and toast. This recipe uses honey for a touch of sweetness.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:2 hours 5 minutes
Yield:1 loaf 1x
Category:Baking
Method:Kneading and Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 (plus more for dusting)
Instructions
Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Add the all-purpose flour one half-cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You are looking for a soft, manageable dough.
Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough crests about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. This is the second rise.
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 loaf from the pan immediately and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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 1-2 extra tablespoons of water if the dough feels too stiff.
If you prefer a crusty exterior, brush the top of the loaf with water just before baking.
This soft whole wheat bread is best eaten within 3 days. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.