This recipe replicates the soft texture and rich, dark color of popular store-bought dark brown honey wheat bread using molasses and honey.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:1 hour 50 min
Yield:1 loaf
Category:Bread
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions
Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the honey, molasses, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Add the whole wheat flour and mix until just combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it crests about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For the darkest color, ensure you use dark molasses, not blackstrap.
If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add the remaining all-purpose flour one tablespoon at a time.
Brushing the top of the loaf with a little extra honey before baking adds shine.