Soft, wholesome, and just a little sweet, this Honey Wheat Bread is a homemade loaft that's perfect for everyday use. With a tender crumb and a touch of honey, it's a loaf that's as comforting as it is versatile.
I grew up on fresh baked bread, and making it by hand brings back those same cozy kitchen memories with mom. This loaf is simple to prepare with just a bowl, your hands and a little patience, and the results are worth every minute.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Natural sweetness: honey balances out the earthy whole wheat with a gentle sweetness.
Soft and hearty: the mix of flours and gluten gives structure while keeping it light.
Hands on process: kneading by hand makes the dough smooth and elastic.
Everyday loaf: perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served with dinner.
Key Ingredients for Honey Wheat Bread
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- White whole wheat flour: gives the bread a nutty flavor with a lighter texture.
- Bread flour: helps create a soft, airy, crumb.
- Vital wheat gluten: strengthens the dough for a better rise.
- Honey: adds sweetness and moisture.
- Olive oil: keeps the bread tender and flavorful.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different natural sweetness.
- Vegetable or canola oil works in place of olive oil.
- Replace bread flour with all-purpose flour if needed (bread will be more dense)
Variations on Honey Wheat Bread
- Seeded top: sprinkle sesame or sunflour seeds over the loaf before baking.
- Honey oat loaf: brush with honey water and top with oats before it goes in the oven.
- Fruit and nut bread: add raisins and chopped walnuts for a heartier loaf.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
- Knead the dough for at leat 8-10 minutes untl smooth and stretchy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size.
- Test for doneness by tapping the loaf - it should sound hollow.
How to Store
Keep bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in slices for up to 3 months.
Serve With...
Honey wheat bread is wonderful spread with homemade Caramel Apple Butter for breakfast or alongside a bowl of Crockpot Venison Stew. It makes a great sandwich bread for Chickpea Salad Sandwiches, or served with Homemade Basil Pesto for dipping.
More Easy Bread Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy baking, you'll want to try my Quick Dinner Rolls, Homemade Hamburger Buns, Soft White Homemade Bread, or Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Honey Wheat Bread
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup bread flour
- ¼ cup vital wheat gluten flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine white whole wheat flour, bread flour, vital wheat gluten flour, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine.
- In glass measuring cup, place honey, water, and olive oil and whisk to combine.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix to combine, Turn dough out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth.
- Transfer dough to a well greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise 1-½ hours in a warm place, until doubled in size.
- Remove dough from mixing bowl and shape into a loaf. Place in a loaf pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Cover with a cotton towel and allow to rise for 35-45 minutes, until dough has slightly risen above the loaf pan.
- Preheat oven to 350 ℉ about 15 minutes before rise is finished. Bake for 20-30 minutes until bread sounds hollow when tapped and is nicely browned.
Di says
That's a really gorgeous loaf of bread!