The top part of my loaf separated from the crust!

You likely over-proofed the dough, especially if you see this coupled with a dense interior crumb (see the image at the right of an early test!). Next attempt, reduce the time the dough is left on the counter before baking.

What is a good egg substitute for this bread?

A "flax egg" is a good substitute for the whole egg in this bread recipe: Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes before using. Instead of using an egg wash on the top of the dough, simply omit it and steam your oven instead .

How can I make this bread recipe vegan?

Swap out the egg for a flax egg, and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.

Can I use the lid of the Pullman pan to bake this sandwich bread?

No. The dough weight is too high to use the lid for the 9 x 4 x 4-inch Pullman pan; the dough would leak out of the pan during baking.

Can I make one loaf instead of two?

Yes: Halve all ingredients in the recipe to bake only a single loaf in a 9 x 4 x 4-inch Pullman pan.

Can I use tangzhong instead of yudane?

Yes, absolutely. Instead of simply covering the whole wheat flour with boiling water, cook the flour and water mixture over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Let the tangzhong cool to room temperature before adding it to the dough mix.

The Best Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Description

My recipe for a slightly sweet pan loaf (thanks to the added honey) with a large whole grain percentage yet a soft crumb and crust—it’s perfect for toast and sandwiches.

Ingredients

Levain

90g white flour
90g water
45g ripe sourdough starter, 100% hydration

Yudane

90g whole wheat flour
135g boiling water

Main Dough

360g white flour
360g whole wheat flour
54g egg, beaten (About 1 large)
54g unsalted butter
36g extra-virgin olive oil
45g honey
423g water
17g fine sea salt
225g ripe levain
all of the yudane

Topping

Benne seeds, sesame seeds, or oats.

Egg wash: 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon whole milk, and a pinch of fine sea salt.

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Instructions

Levain – 9:00 a.m.
Mix the levain ingredients in a jar and leave them covered at a warm temperature, 74-76°F (23-24°C), to ripen for 5 hours.
Yudane – 9:10 a.m.
Mix the yudane ingredients in a small heat-proof bowl until a paste forms. Cover and set aside.
Mix – 2:00 p.m.
Cut the butter into ½-inch pats and let warm to room temperature. To the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, add the flour, water, egg, olive oil, honey, salt, ripe levain, and yudane. Mix on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the ingredients come together. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough smooths and begins to cling to the hook. If the dough is too dry, add a splash of water to soften, but be conservative. Let the dough rest in the bowl for 10 minutes. Turn the mixer on low speed and mix for 2 to 4 minutes until the dough gains more strength and begins to cling once again to the dough hook. Next, with the mixer running, add the room temperature butter, one pat at a time. Adding all the butter will take 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the dough to a bulk fermentation container and cover.
Bulk fermentation – 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (3 1/2 hours)
Give the dough 2 sets of stretches and folds during this time, in 30 minute intervals. After the second set, let the dough rest, covered, for the remainder of bulk fermentation. The dough is ready when it is smooth, puffy, and well-risen.
Divide and preshape – 6:00 p.m.
Fill a small bowl with water and place it next to your work surface. Scrape the dough onto a clean counter and divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Then, preshape each piece into a loose round. Let the dough rest, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
Shape – 6:40 p.m.
Grease a 9 x 4 x 4-inch Pullman pan with a neutral-flavored oil. Shape into a long tube and place in the pan.
Cold proof – 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (overnight)
Put the pans in a large, reusable plastic bag and seal shut. Place the pans in the refrigerator to proof overnight.
Warm proof – 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., the next day
Remove the covered pans from the refrigerator and let them proof, at room temperature, for about 1 hour, depending on the temperature in your kitchen. The dough is ready to bake when it is puffy to the touch and about 1-inch below the rim of the pan. If you see any large bubbles form on the surface, gently pat them down to disperse.
Bake – 9:00 a.m., the next day
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt. Uncover the dough and brush on the egg wash. Next, sprinkle on any desired toppings: oats, sesame seeds, or benne seeds. Slide the pans into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), rotate the pans back to front, and continue to bake for 25 to 30 minutes more. When done, the loaves should have an internal temperature of around 204°F (95°C), and the crust should be deeply colored and shiny.

Notes

To bake only a single loaf, divide all the ingredients in half (even the levain and yudane).