Homemade Buttermilk Honey Bread (Makes Two Loaves)

Homemade Buttermilk Honey Bread (Makes Two Loaves)

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This Homemade Buttermilk Honey Bread combines the richness of buttermilk, the sweetness of honey, and a light texture that makes it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Here’s how you can make it from scratch!

Ingredients:

  • 1 envelope of active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F)
  • A pinch of ginger (to help activate the yeast)
  • 2 cups of warm buttermilk (about 110°F)
  • 1/3 cup of honey
  • 1/4 cup of butter, melted and cooled (should be warm to the touch but not hot)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 6 cups of white bread flour

Instructions:

Prepare Yeast Mixture:

  1. In a small bowl, combine ginger, sugar, yeast, and warm water.
  2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become frothy.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm buttermilk, honey, salt, and baking soda.
  2. Add the activated yeast mixture to the buttermilk mixture and stir to combine.

Mix in Flour:

  1. Gradually add three cups of white bread flour to the wet ingredients.
  2. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Incorporate Butter:

  1. Add the melted butter and continue mixing until completely incorporated.

Add Remaining Flour:

  1. Gradually add the remaining three cups of flour, one cup at a time, keeping the mixer on low speed.
  2. Continue mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead the Dough:

  1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
  2. Knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.

First Rise:

  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top.
  2. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape Loaves:

  1. Punch down the risen dough.
  2. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a loaf.
  3. Place the loaves into greased loaf pans and lightly grease the tops.

Second Rise:

  1. Cover the loaf pans with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 45 minutes, or until the dough rises about 1 inch above the pans.

Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Bake the loaves for 30 minutes. If the tops brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last part of baking.

Cool Down:

  1. Remove the loaves from the oven and brush the tops with some melted butter to keep the crust soft.
  2. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Cover the loaves with a cloth if you prefer softer crusts.

Enjoy your freshly baked Buttermilk Honey Bread! Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to any meal.

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