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Soft & Fluffy Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

A golden-brown, freshly baked whole wheat bread loaf resting on a wire cooling rack.

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Bake your own whole wheat sandwich bread that is soft, fluffy, and wholesome. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and yields bakery-quality results for toast or sandwiches.

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 (plus more for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This activates the yeast.
  2. Stir the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour 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. You are looking for a soft dough that springs back when lightly poked.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and 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 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) about 15 minutes before the second rise finishes.
  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 loaf from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use 100 percent whole wheat flour, but you may need to add an extra tablespoon of water if the dough feels too stiff.
  • If you prefer a sugar-free bread, substitute the honey with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
  • To achieve a soft crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.

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