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Soft Honey Wheat Bread

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🍞 A Slice of Simplicity: Soft Honey Wheat Bread

There’s something grounding about making bread from scratch. Maybe it’s the scent that fills your kitchen while it bakes, or the quiet satisfaction of slicing into a golden loaf you kneaded with your own hands. This Soft Honey Wheat Bread is one of those simple pleasures featuring lightly sweetened with honey and made tender with a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, it’s a recipe I find myself returning to often.

This version was born out of my search for a bread that tasted wholesome but still had that soft, sandwich-style texture. I experimented with a few combinations, and what I learned is that a little whole wheat flour goes a long way. Too much, and you end up with something dense and hearty (which can be wonderful in its own way), but for everyday toast or a turkey sandwich, this lighter touch is perfect. The 2/3 cup of whole wheat flour offers a hint of nuttiness, while bread flour provides the structure and chew we love in a classic loaf.

I also chose honey instead of sugar in this recipe. Beyond the flavor, honey adds moisture and gives the crust a beautiful golden finish. There’s a quiet comfort in using ingredients like this  pantry staples that have nourished generations before us.

🥖 Curious why we use different flours in baking?  like bread flour, all-purpose, or whole wheat? Learn about The Differences in Types of Flour and how they affect your final result.

When I bake this bread, I’m reminded of the kitchens I grew up in,  the ones that always had a loaf wrapped in a dish towel on the counter and where butter was left out so it was always ready to spread. This is the kind of bread that makes those small moments feel special again.

Whether you’re new to bread baking or looking to add a reliable go-to recipe to your collection, this one is forgiving, flavorful, and adaptable. You can top it with seeds, brush it with butter, or toast it until golden. It freezes beautifully and makes excellent grilled cheese (trust me, I’ve tested this extensively).

So if you’ve been craving the rhythm of a quiet morning in the kitchen and the reward of warm, homemade bread this is it.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil

2 1/3 cups bread flour

2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast:
    In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine warm water and honey. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

  2. Mix the dough:
    Add melted butter/oil, salt, whole wheat flour, and 1½ cups of the bread flour. Stir or mix on low until combined. Add remaining bread flour gradually until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

  3. Knead:
    Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or by stand mixer for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

  4. First rise:
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

  5. Shape and second rise:
    Punch down dough and shape into a loaf. Place into a greased 9×5″ loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until the dough rises 1–1½ inches above the pan rim.

  6. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

  7. Cool:
    Let rest in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. For a softer, glossy crust, gently rub a pat of butter over the warm loaf as it cools.  Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Tips:

  • Flour Flexibility: You can adjust the ratio of whole wheat to bread flour based on your preference. Using more whole wheat flour will make the bread heartier, while more bread flour keeps it soft and light.
  • Pan Tip: Be sure to lightly grease your loaf pan and, if possible, line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking — especially with honey in the dough.
  • Honey Swap: If you don’t have honey, you can substitute maple syrup or agave, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Slice before freezing so you can grab just what you need.
  • Dough Texture: This dough is slightly sticky due to the honey. If kneading by hand, lightly oil your hands or dust with flour to make handling easier.
  • Flavor Enhancer: For a little extra depth, add 1–2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or a touch of molasses.
  • Tested & Tweaked: This recipe was refined after real kitchen testing. It’s a light, soft loaf made with just the right touch of whole wheat.

Topping Ideas to Add Before Baking Your Honey Wheat Bread:

Enhance the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of your loaf by sprinkling any of these toppings before baking:

  • Rolled oats
  • Chia seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic flakes, salt)
  • Hemp seeds (nutty flavor and extra protein)
  • Toasted quinoa (adds a crunchy, nutty texture)
  • Cracked black pepper (for a subtle spicy kick)
  • Crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans (adds crunch and richness)
  • Dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme (for a savory, herbal aroma)
  • Caraway seeds (slightly licorice-flavored, great with wheat)
  • Ground flaxseed mixed with sesame seeds (nutty and nutritious)
  • Coarse sea salt flakes (for contrast and to enhance sweetness)
  • Nigella seeds (black onion seeds with a peppery, exotic flavor)

Feel free to mix and match to create your signature loaf!

 

Baking bread is more than a recipe, it’s a ritual of love and nourishment. Try this soft honey wheat loaf and fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of comfort. 🍞✨

Share your slice of joy! Tag me when you bake it, tell me how it turned out, or pass it along to someone who needs a little homemade goodness in their life. 💙 #JoyistaLife

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice

 

Nutrition

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