Bread Machine Honey Wheat Bread

This honey wheat bread machine bread recipe is simple to follow and only requires a few basic ingredients. In just a few hours, you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf of bread perfect for toast, sandwiches, or enjoying on its own.

Bread machine recipes are my favorite way to make bread: just throw the ingredients in and let the machine do the work!

close up of honey wheat bread loaf with two slices cut.

Honey Wheat Bread Machine Bread

This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and your trusty bread machine to deliver a homemade loaf with a touch of sweetness. Makes 1-pound loaf.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 5

Serving Size slices

Equipment

Bread machine

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
3 tablespoons honey
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 ¾ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast

Instructions

Layer Ingredients. Add the ingredients to the bread machine pan in this order: water, honey, butter, flours, salt, and yeast. Make sure the yeast is kept separate from the water until mixing begins.
Select Settings. Choose the “Basic” or “Whole Wheat” cycle for a 1-pound loaf, and select your preferred crust setting (medium works well for a balanced crust).
Start the Machine. Begin the cycle, which should take around 3 hours from start to finish. Be sure to check during the kneading process that all ingredients are incorporated. You may need to add a tiny amount of flour or water. The dough should form a ball and be smooth but not stick to the machine.
Cool. Once the loaf is done, carefully remove it from the bread machine and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

You can Increase the whole wheat flour to replace some or all of the all-purpose flour. The loaf will be denser but deliciously hearty.

This bread recipe is perfect for busy mornings and lazy weekends. My family loves it toasted with a bit of butter and jam, and it makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing. Who needs candles when you have bread baking?

top view of bread loaf with two slices cut.

Seriously, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to make homemade bread, you need to try this recipe!

Bread Tips

Yeast matters: Make sure your yeast is fresh! Old yeast might not activate properly, and your bread won’t rise. Dissolve a little in warm water with a pinch of sugar to test it. If it foams after a few minutes, you’re good to go!
Warm water, not hot: Lukewarm water is key for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill it; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Aim for a temperature that feels slightly warm to the touch, like a baby’s bathwater.
Don’t overfill: Bread machines need room for the dough to rise. Stick to the recipe’s measurements, and resist adding extra ingredients that might overcrowd the pan.
Check the dough: Keep an eye on the dough during the kneading cycle. If it seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
Adjust for Altitude: Use this article to help you adjust the recipe if you live above sea level.

Key Ingredients and Tools

The right tools and ingredients will make this recipe even easier. Here are a few things you’ll need:

ingredients measured out on counter next to bread machine.

Bread Machine. It seems obvious, but you’ll need a bread machine for this recipe! Make sure yours has a “Basic” or “Whole Wheat” setting.
Instant or Active Dry Yeast. Yeast is what makes the bread rise, so don’t forget it! You can usually find it in the baking aisle near the flour. If your yeast is old, your bread might not rise, so check the expiration date.
Honey. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning. You can use any kind you like, but I prefer a mild honey like clover or wildflower. It’s also a key ingredient in my honey wheat rolls that you can make with a bread machine!
Whole Wheat Flour. Whole wheat flour gives the bread a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture. You can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have any, but the bread won’t be the same.

With these key ingredients and tools, you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious loaf of homemade bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with butter, jam, honey, or alongside creamy tomato soup or salad.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, giving you a slightly chewier loaf. Just remember that you might need to adjust the amount of water slightly, as bread flour absorbs more liquid. Start with a little less water than the recipe calls for, and add more if needed during the kneading cycle.

My bread didn’t rise very much. What went wrong?

A few things could be the culprit. First, make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast might not be active enough. You can test it by dissolving a little in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams up after a few minutes, it’s good to go. Also, double-check that you used lukewarm water – water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Finally, make sure you added the ingredients in the correct order, with the yeast going in last.

Can I use a different type of sweetener besides honey?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of the bread might be slightly different.

I don’t have a bread machine. Can I still make this recipe?

You can! Follow my recipe for honey wheat sandwich bread instead!

If you have any more questions, leave me a comment. I’m always happy to help.

Storing Leftovers

Room Temperature:

Keep your bread at room temperature in an airtight container or breadbox for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

This bread freezes beautifully!
To freeze, let the loaf cool completely.
You can freeze it whole or slice it first.
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag.
It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

This is a great staple recipe to have on hand when you’re tired of white bread but don’t like full whole wheat.

Bread Machine Honey Wheat Bread