A delightful homemade bread recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of whole wheat with a touch of honey sweetness.
Add the warm water, honey, salt, whole wheat flour, powdered milk, sugar, vital wheat gluten, and active dry yeast to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Select the dough cycle on the bread machine and start it.
Check the dough after a few minutes to ensure it forms a cohesive ball.
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface.
Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9 x 5 loaf pan.
Ensure the dough is evenly distributed in the pan for uniform baking.
Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 30 minutes.
Place the pan in a warm, draft-free area for the best rise.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
Bake the bread for 20 minutes, then tent it with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Tenting with foil prevents the crust from over-browning.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Allowing the bread to cool ensures clean slices and prevents it from becoming gummy.