A delightful twist on a classic bread recipe, this Golden Honey Loaf is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
In a saucepan, heat the milk, honey, butter, and salt over low heat until the butter melts. Let it cool to lukewarm.
Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
Combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a sticky dough forms.
Add the flour in small increments to avoid lumps.
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Place the bowl in an oven with the light on for a consistent warm environment.
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Ensure the dough fills the pan evenly for uniform baking.
Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Tap the top of the loaf; it should sound hollow when done.
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Allow the bread to cool completely to make slicing easier.