The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Honey Whole Wheat Bread

5.00 Mitt(s) 6 Rating(s)6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Intermediate

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Description

This bread is simple, yet amazingly tasty and hearty.

Ingredients

  • 1-½ cup Warm Water (110-115˚)
  • 2-¼ teaspoons Dry Active Yeast
  • ½ cups Honey, Divided Into Two 1/4 Cup Portions
  • ½ Tablespoons Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
  • 3-½ cups Whole Wheat Flour

Preparation

You’ll need a flat clean work surface and a large loaf pan (9×5), and, of course, an oven!

Start off by putting the yeast in a large bowl.

Measure out 1 1/2 cups of water and heat it up to 110˚-115˚. (I heated mine in the microwave for about 25 seconds. This can take time to get the temperature right, but it’s really important.)

Pour it into the yeast that’s waiting patiently in the bowl. Add 1/4 cup of honey and give it a stir! Let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until it starts to bubble a bit. Measure out your other ingredients in the meantime. Pour the other 1/4 cup of honey into the water/yeast mixture and stir. Add the 2tbsp of melted butter and stir again. Add the salt and stir yet again.

Okay, now it’s time to add the flour. You should do this 1 cup at a time and not add the next cup until it’s at least moistened.

1 cup.
2 cups..
3 cups…
3.5 cups…

It should form a ball. If it’s sticking to the side of the bowl, add a sprinkle of flour until it can easily form a ball. (I usually have to add about an additional 1/4 cup.)

If you haven’t already, form into a ball in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour.

– – – – –

Flour a surface with a good amount of flour. You don’t want it to stick to the counter! After the hour has passed, the dough should have doubled in size. Time to knead!

You can use your own method, but I found that the fold over, punch down, then rotate 90˚ works best.

BAM!

Do this for 3 minutes. It will become increasingly harder to fold. After 3 minutes is up, form into a loaf shape to place into the pan.

Before you place it in the pan, grease the pan with a little Pam or your preferred greasing agent.

Place the dough in the pan and “punch” the dough down so it touches all four sides.

Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 30 minutes. During some point during these 30 minutes, turn your oven on and preheat to 350˚.

Place the lovely loaf in the oven. After 30-35 minutes, it should be done!

Take it out of the pan, and let it cool on a wire rack. Then…

Slice it up! (Note: It’s best to slice it after it cools, though the smell is incredibly tempting! Just wait. It’s hard to cut when it’s warm.)

Slice it up and enjoy!

5 Comments

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sunshineakg7 on 2.3.2011

Wonderful recipe! I added an egg wash to the top to give it an extra crisp.
Take 1 egg and a splash of milk. Beat well. Brush over the top of the loaf. Bake!

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emmahero on 10.4.2009

I love this bread! It is so much easier than the wheat bread recipe I usually use, and it tastes better too! Thanks for introducing me to my new favorite bread.

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nicoled on 9.3.2009

Tried this bread last night! Easy and delicious. I thought it might be too much honey, but it is the perfect amount.

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nicoled on 9.2.2009

I think this recipe is exactly what I’m looking for! Can’t wait to try it.

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DessertForTwo on 8.7.2009

This is the best bread recipe I’ve ever tried! No funky ingredients that are hard to find, like vital wheat gluten or dough enhancer. I had everything on hand, and just a few hours later, I had amazing homemade bread. Thank you! Have you ever substituted another sweetener for the honey? I was thinking about trying molasses for the last 1/4 cup of honey.

6 Reviews

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sifueratica on 1.19.2014

Just made a loaf this afternoon. Very easy recipe, loaf came out tender and moist with a nice crust. Great flavor and texture. Will make again!

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tampabuckeye on 8.1.2012

This not only a great tasting bread, but so easy to make! I did it by hand, no mixer, no issues whatsoever. Anyone can make this! I know I will be using this recipe over and over.

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kenadine87 on 3.25.2011

I’ve been on a baking spree looking for a good whole wheat bread recipe and THIS IS IT! My husband told me not to fool around with other recipes anymore! It rose beautifully, just enough sweetness, nice crust, moist inside.

Great instructions. Rising, and baking times were right on. It took about 8 minutes in my Kit.Aid to work the flour into a ball. On the 2nd kneading, only about a minute vs. three – just because it was starting to feel stiff.

Definitely keeping this recipe and will be making this again, and again…

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frecklesandsunshine on 2.19.2011

Easy to put together and very tasty. We’ll be using this recipe often. Love it toasted with peanut butter. Yum!!

Thanks for sharing!

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cmcdon24 on 8.2.2010

Great recipe! I loved it, though the only problem is that it disappears too quickly at my house!

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