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Homemade Honey White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, golden loaves with a slightly sweet flavor thanks to honey or sugar. It involves a straightforward dough preparation, two rises for perfect texture, and baking in the oven until beautifully golden and hollow-sounding. Ideal for sandwich bread or to enjoy fresh with butter.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (for activating yeast)

Dough Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of honey or sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Initial Dough: Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
  3. Add More Flour: Gradually add another cup of flour and mix. Continue adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
  4. Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes using medium speed on a stand mixer or 5-8 minutes by hand until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency.
  5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1.5 hours.
  6. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased 9×5 inch loaf pans.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the pans with greased plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rise until it is about 1 inch above the edge of the pans, approximately 45-60 minutes.
  8. Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and Finish: Remove the loaves from the pans and invert them onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with butter while warm and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105-115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • The amount of flour can vary depending on humidity and brand, add gradually until dough reaches proper consistency.
  • Brushing the bread with butter after baking gives a soft, flavorful crust.
  • Allow bread to cool before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.
  • This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing.

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, easy bread recipe, soft bread, baking bread at home

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/homemade-honey-white-bread-recipe/