Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
In short: A soft, slightly sweet loaf made with two-thirds whole wheat flour and honey. Easy to knead, good for sandwiches and toast all week. It takes about 1 h 8 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 38 min
- Resting
- 1 h 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 8 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 175 kcal
Whole wheat bread has a reputation for being heavy, but a little bread flour and a spoonful of honey fix that. This loaf is made with two-thirds whole wheat flour, so it tastes nutty and wholesome while still rising tall and slicing cleanly. Oil replaces butter, and the dough comes together in one bowl. It is an everyday loaf for sandwiches, toast and lunch boxes.
Instructions
- Stir both flours, the yeast and the salt together in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add the honey, oil and warm water and mix to a shaggy dough. Knead for 10 minutes by machine or 12 minutes by hand, until smooth and slightly tacky. Whole wheat dough should feel soft, so add water by the spoonful if it is dry.
- Shape the dough into a ball, put it in an oiled bowl, cover and leave in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled.
- Grease a 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf pan. Press the dough into a rectangle about 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inches), roll it up tightly from the short side and pinch the seam shut.
- Set the loaf seam-side down in the pan, cover and let rise for 45 minutes, until it crowns about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the rim.
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F) for the last 20 minutes of rising. Brush the top with water and dust with a little whole wheat flour if you like.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is deep brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The center should read 93°C (200°F).
- Turn the loaf out and cool on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Tips
- Whole wheat flours differ in how much water they absorb, so judge the dough by feel. It should be soft and a little sticky, not firm.
- For a seeded top, brush the shaped loaf with water and press on 2 tablespoons of oats or sesame seeds before the second rise.
Questions and answers
Is whole wheat bread healthier than white bread?
Whole wheat flour keeps the bran and germ, so the loaf has more fiber, protein and minerals than a white loaf. It also tastes nuttier and keeps you full for longer.
Why is my whole wheat bread dense?
Whole wheat flour absorbs more water and builds less gluten than white flour. Use enough water, knead fully and let the dough double before shaping.
Can I make this loaf with only whole wheat flour?
Yes. Use 450 g (3 3/4 cups) whole wheat flour and add 20 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tbsp) more water. The loaf will be shorter and denser, so let the mixed dough rest for 15 minutes before kneading.
How long does it take to make Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread?
About 1 h 8 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 38 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread?
About 175 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 175 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
