Buttermilk Honey Bread

Soft, tender, and lightly sweetened, Buttermilk Honey Bread is the ultimate homemade loaf that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread. Infused with the subtle tang of buttermilk and the natural sweetness of honey, this recipe creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile, making it ideal for both sweet and savory pairings. The silky dough comes together effortlessly and bakes into a golden loaf with a pillowy interior and a beautifully glossy crust, thanks to an optional egg wash. With a simple mix of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, butter, and active dry yeast, this versatile bread is perfect for breakfast toasts, sandwiches, or alongside hearty soups. A must-try for bread enthusiasts, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 0.25 cups honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.25 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (optional, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, warm the buttermilk over low heat until it is just lukewarm (about 100°F/38°C). Remove from heat and stir in the honey, butter, and salt, allowing the butter to melt completely. Set aside to cool to lukewarm if it gets too warm.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm buttermilk mixture with the activated yeast mixture.

Step 4

Begin adding the flour one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook of a stand mixer. Continue until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 5

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes (or knead with the stand mixer on medium speed for 5-6 minutes) until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 8

Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and is slightly above the edges of the pan.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, prepare an egg wash by whisking together the egg and water, then lightly brush it over the surface of the risen dough for a shiny, golden crust.

Step 10

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 12

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1134.7 grams (1134.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2670

Total Fat 46.70g	60%
Saturated Fat 23.30g	117%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 287mg	96%
Sodium 4014mg	175%
Total Carbohydrate 482.30g	175%
Dietary Fiber 16.10g	58%
Total Sugars 68.40g
Protein 76.70g	153%

Vitamin D 230IU	1152%
Calcium 530mg	41%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 1313mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.8%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 72.6%