Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread

Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread 🍯🥖🍞

This Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread is a soft, tender loaf with a subtle sweetness from honey and a rich, buttery flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter. With its golden crust and fluffy interior, this bread is a comforting addition to your baking repertoire. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and is easier to make than you might think!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, homemade bread step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft & Fluffy Texture : The combination of buttermilk and honey creates a tender crumb that’s perfect for any use.
2. Subtle Sweetness : Honey adds a natural sweetness without overpowering the bread.
3. Versatile : Great for sandwiches, toast, French toast, or as a side for soups and stews.
4. Aroma Therapy : The scent of freshly baked bread will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
5. Beginner-Friendly : Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

(Makes 1 loaf)

• 1 cup warm buttermilk (about 110°F/43°C )
• ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C )
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet )
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons melted butter , plus extra for brushing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour , divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water , honey , and yeast . Stir gently to dissolve the honey and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes , or until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add the warm buttermilk , melted butter , and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
2. Gradually add 3 cups of the flour , one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes , adding up to ½ cup more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
   • Tip : If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on low speed for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
3. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the shaped dough seam-side down in the pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until it has puffed up about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
2. Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) when measured with a thermometer.
   • Tip : To prevent over-browning, tent the loaf with aluminum foil halfway through baking if needed.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with a little melted butter for a soft, shiny crust.
2. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
3. Slice and enjoy this Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread fresh, toasted, or as part of your favorite recipes!

Tips for Success

1. Use Warm Liquids : Ensure the buttermilk and water are warm but not too hot (no hotter than 110°F/43°C ), as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
2. Don’t Skip the Rises : Proper rising times are key to achieving a light, airy texture.
3. Storage : Store the cooled bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freeze for up to 3 months .
4. Freeze for Later : Slice the bread before freezing, so you can easily thaw individual slices as needed.
5. Customize : Add seeds (like sesame or poppy) to the top of the loaf before baking for added texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread pairs beautifully with:

• Butter & Jam : Spread with softened butter or your favorite jam for a simple treat.
• Avocado Toast : Top with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and red pepper flakes for a trendy breakfast.
• Soups & Stews : Serve alongside tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or beef stew for a comforting meal.
• French Toast or Bread Pudding : Use day-old slices to make decadent French toast or bread pudding.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 12 slices per loaf)

• Calories : ~160 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~28g
• Fat : ~3g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread is a versatile, comforting loaf that’s perfect for everyday baking. Whether you’re making sandwiches, enjoying a slice with butter and jam, or pairing it with soup, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of buttermilk, honey, and butter creates a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, add toppings, or experiment with different uses to make it your own. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a loaf of bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.