Sunflower Seed Honey Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Sunflower Seed Honey Bread is a delightful combination of nutty sunflower seeds and the subtle sweetness of honey, creating a loaf that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and offers a comforting aroma and flavor that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Sunflower Seed Honey Bread

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread, giving it the necessary gluten to rise well. Sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite interesting. Honey not only sweetens the bread but also helps it brown beautifully in the oven. The active dry yeast is the leavening agent, making the bread rise and become fluffy. Warm water activates the yeast, so it’s crucial to get the temperature right. Vegetable oil adds moisture, ensuring the bread is tender. Salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness. Finally, the egg wash gives the crust a beautiful sheen.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven for a speedier rise.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the water is exactly 110°F for the yeast to activate properly.
  • For a more pronounced honey flavor, drizzle a little extra honey over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs wonderfully with a spread of creamy butter and a drizzle of honey. It's also fantastic with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese or used as the base for an open-faced sandwich with avocado and tomato.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, but you may need to adjust the water slightly.
How should I store the bread?
Store in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices and toast when needed.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk wash for a vegan-friendly version.

Sunflower Seed Honey Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining the warm water and honey in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it rest for about 5 minutes. You should see it become foamy, which means the yeast is active and ready to go. Next, add the vegetable oil and salt to the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour. Mix until a dough starts to form.

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic dough, which is a good arm workout! Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour until it's doubled in size. Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release some of the air.

Incorporate the sunflower seeds into the dough by kneading them in until evenly distributed. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes until doubled. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise. Before baking, brush the top with a beaten egg for a shiny crust.

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with straightforward steps.
  • Nutty and sweet flavor profile, perfect for both sweet and savory toppings.
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Great texture - soft inside with a slightly crunchy crust.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sunflower seeds
2 tbsp honey
1 packet active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1 egg (for egg wash)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and honey, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add vegetable oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the flour.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough, incorporate sunflower seeds, and shape into a loaf.
6. Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Brush the top with beaten egg for a shiny crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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