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Soft Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaf

Close-up of a freshly baked, soft loaf of whole wheat bread sliced open on a wooden cutting board.
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Bake a soft, wholesome whole wheat bread loaf sweetened with honey, perfect for everyday sandwiches and toast. This recipe guides you to a tender crumb and a satisfying crust.

Ingredients

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  • 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 all-purpose flour (for a softer crumb)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
  6. Let the dough 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 uniform loaf and place it seam-side down in a 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 crests 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 200°F (93°C).
  11. Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a 100 percent whole wheat bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with more whole wheat flour, but expect a slightly denser loaf.
  • If you prefer a rustic whole wheat bread, you can bake this free-form on a baking stone instead of in a loaf pan.
  • To achieve the softest texture, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/soft-honey-whole-wheat-bread-recipe/