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.
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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
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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!
Trish says
Hi, Can you advise me as to which bread machine you used? Brand as well as model number please?
TeaLady says
I love homemade bread and often use The Machine to do the hard work. I have found that just about any recipe will work if aall you are doing is kneading the dough. Have you been to Nancy's Bread site. Great breads there.
Come by my blog and find the bread recipe sites on the right.
oneordinaryday says
Weather's been weird in PA too. Nothing can make your day like fresh baked bread though.
Katie says
Looks great! I love homemade bread its so much better than from the store!
KAF Customer Service says
Great going on the substitutions! Both Traditional and White Whole Wheat may be substituted freely, with great results. Frank @ KAF.
averagbetty says
Nothing better than the smell or taste of homemade bread!
Patsyk says
Looks like a perfect slice of bread for any type of sandwich! I wish I had a bread machine, too!
Pam says
Why can't we be neighbors? This loaf looks absolutely perfect.
Happy cook says
Wow that bread looks huge.
Wish i had few slices .
Nothing beats the home made bread.
Carol Peterman says
Baking bread is far better than just turning on the furnace. You get to fill the house with the wonderful aroma and then have a delicious snack!
Lynda says
Nothing smells better than bread baking; I imagine the aroma with maple syrup is really amazing! This is perfect looking bread!
gail says
WOW! This looks REALLY good. I love how perfectly you sliced the bread too! Wow!!
Bunny says
it looks terrific Shelby, that's calling my name smothered in a fruit jam!
Mrs. L says
There's nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread...plus berry rhubarb jam? I think it's a perfect combination!
Melody says
This looks just like mom used to make. I have such good memories of coming home to fresh baked bread. There is nothing better! Great blog!
Helene says
Your bread looks delicious. Goes well with your jam 🙂
Frieda says
Excellent! Nice change of pace to use maple syrup instead of honey...I'll have to try that! I,too, prefer white wheat and use 2 T. of vital wheat gluten per 6 c. flour...it does help make a great loaf of bread! Your photos, as always, look scrumptious!
Mags says
I'm such a sucker for bread recipes, and this one looks right up my alley with the whole wheat flour. I think I'll use your recipe to make some hamburger buns tomorrow.
ButterYum says
I love using the bread machine to knead my bread! Not much better than freshly baked bread! Nice photos.
the ungourmet says
Mmm! I can smell it from here! I love homemade bread. It look like it turned out moist, light and perfect.
Do you can jam?