Indulge your taste buds in the divine pleasure of freshly baked honey bread – a delightful treat that combines the rich sweetness of honey with the comforting warmth of homemade bread. This simple yet heavenly recipe will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this scrumptious Honey Bread masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until the yeast is foamy.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Bread:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a loaf. Place the loaves into greased loaf pans.
Second Rise:
Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes or until it reaches just above the edges of the pans.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat honey and water over low heat until well combined. Brush the warm glaze over the baked loaves as soon as they come out of the oven.
Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the honey bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and savour the heavenly aroma and sweet, soft texture of your homemade honey bread.
There you have it – a delightful recipe for making Honey Bread that will surely become a favourite in your household. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this sweet and comforting bread is a true celebration of the simple pleasures of homemade baking. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of each delicious bite!
