Honey Wheat Bread Machine Recipe
This honey wheat bread machine recipe celebrates the beauty of homemade bread, blending the deep flavor of whole wheat and the gentle sweetness of honey into one comforting loaf. Creating and discovering new recipes is my real work and passion, and this one was developed for those who value wholesome, fresh bread made easily at home.
Equipment
- Bread machine
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (if warming milk)
- Rubber spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter sliced and softened
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- ¼ cup honey
- 1½ cups bread flour
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast
Instructions
Step 1:
- Warm the milk slightly until it’s lukewarm to the touch (not hot). Slice the butter so it softens more evenly.
Step 2:
- Pour the warm milk into the bread machine pan. Add the honey and softened butter. These are your wet ingredients and should always go in first for most machines.
Step 3:
- Add the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, bread flour, and salt. Make sure the salt is added at a separate corner from where the yeast will go, so it doesn’t interfere with yeast activation early on.
Step 4:
- Make a small well (indent) in the center of the flour and add the bread machine yeast. Don’t let the yeast touch the liquid yet if you’re using a delayed start.
Step 5:
- Place the bread pan in the bread machine. Select the “Whole Wheat” or “Basic” cycle, depending on your machine’s options. Choose your crust preference (light or medium is best for this recipe).
Step 6:
- Press start. The bread machine will handle the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking automatically. During the first knead, check the dough it should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball. If it’s too dry, add 1 teaspoon of milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit of flour.
Step 7:
- When the cycle is complete, carefully remove the pan. Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
You can substitute almond milk or oat milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option. If using a delay timer, use powdered milk instead of fresh milk to avoid spoilage.
For extra softness, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten (optional but recommended when using whole wheat flour). This bread is great for sandwiches or toasting with butter and jam.