Honey Lavender Sandwich Bread Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade honey lavender sandwich bread with its perfect tender crumb and delicate floral notes. This easy baking recipe combines the sweetness of honey with aromatic lavender for the best everyday sandwich loaf that elevates simple meals to something special.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (16 slices)
An overhead shot of a perfectly golden-brown honey lavender sandwich loaf on a rustic wooden board, with one end sliced to reveal its tender, light crumb structure. The bread is captured in soft natural daylight, highlighting its gently domed top and subtle flecks of dried lavender throughout. A small jar of lavender-infused honey sits nearby with a wooden dipper drizzling golden honey onto a warm slice, creating an appetizing glisten. A sprig of fresh lavender and scattered dried buds provide color contrast against the warm tones of the bread, while a linen napkin and vintage bread knife complete this cozy, artisanal scene.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml warm milk (around 38°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml warm water (around 38°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">85g honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">56g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 standard packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">9g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook</li><li class="equipment-single-item">23×13cm (9×5-inch) loaf pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Digital kitchen scale</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by gently crushing 1 tablespoon of the dried lavender in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder - don't pulverize it completely, just enough to release the oils and aromas. Combine this with the warm milk in a small bowl and let it steep for 15 minutes. This infusion is key to distributing the delicate lavender flavor throughout your bread without overwhelming spots.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the milk steeps, combine the warm water and 1 teaspoon of the honey in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proofing step ensures your yeast is active and will help your bread rise properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>When the yeast is foamy, add the lavender-infused milk (strain it if you prefer, but leaving the bits adds visual appeal), the remaining honey, softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine. Add the flour and the remaining whole lavender buds, then mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test (when stretched, it should be thin enough to see light through without tearing). The dough should feel tacky but not sticky - the proteins in the flour need this kneading time to develop proper gluten structure for a good rise and texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. The rising time may vary depending on your kitchen's temperature - look for the dough to double rather than strictly timing it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release excess air bubbles. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle roughly 20×30cm (8×12 inches). Starting from a short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam and ends to seal. This tight rolling creates a beautiful swirled interior structure and helps prevent large air pockets.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the shaped loaf seam-side down in a greased 23×13cm (9×5-inch) loaf pan. Cover loosely and let rise again until the dough has crowned about 2.5cm (1 inch) above the rim of the pan, approximately 45-60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Just before baking, gently brush the top of the loaf with the tablespoon of milk, which will help create a beautiful golden crust. If desired, sprinkle a few additional lavender buds on top for decoration (though they may darken during baking).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil after 25-30 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 90-95°C (195-205°F) when fully baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from the oven and immediately turn out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing - I know it's tempting to cut into warm bread, but cooling allows the crumb structure to set properly, resulting in better texture and easier slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze sliced for longer storage.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Honey Lavender Sandwich Bread Recipe?

This fragrant bread uses bread flour, warm milk, water, honey, unsalted butter, dried culinary lavender, active dry yeast, salt, and egg. The lavender is used both crushed (infused in milk) and whole for visual appeal and balanced flavour throughout.

How to cook Honey Lavender Sandwich Bread Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Honey Lavender Sandwich Bread by first infusing milk with crushed lavender, then combining with yeast, honey, butter and flour to create a smooth dough. After two rises, bake in a loaf tin until golden brown. The secret is in properly developing the gluten during kneading and allowing sufficient rising time for the perfect texture.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried in bread baking?

Fresh lavender can be used but requires adjustments - use about three times the amount called for dried (6 tablespoons). Ensure it's culinary grade lavender without pesticides. Fresh lavender has a more intense flavour, so you might want to reduce slightly for a more subtle result.

Why is my bread with honey not rising properly?

Honey-sweetened bread may rise slowly because honey contains natural antibacterial properties that can inhibit yeast. Ensure your yeast is active by proofing it first, avoid adding honey directly to yeast, maintain proper temperature (around 38°C), and give the dough extra rising time if needed.

How do I prevent lavender from making baked goods taste soapy?

To prevent a soapy taste, use culinary-grade lavender specifically for cooking, crush only a portion to release oils while leaving some whole, infuse it in milk or butter rather than adding directly to dry ingredients, and always measure carefully—too much lavender can quickly overwhelm baked goods.

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Add the flour and the remaining whole lavender buds, then mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Knead dough", "text": "Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test (when stretched, it should be thin enough to see light through without tearing). The dough should feel tacky but not sticky - the proteins in the flour need this kneading time to develop proper gluten structure for a good rise and texture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "First rise", "text": "Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. 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This has become my go-to recipe for special breakfasts.", "name": "Perfect Flavor Balance", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-06-03", "reviewBody": "I've tried many sandwich bread recipes and this one is exceptional! The crumb structure is tender yet sturdy enough for sandwiches. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness that complements both sweet and savory toppings.", "name": "Versatile and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ananya Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "This bread stays fresh much longer than other homemade breads I've made. The honey must help with moisture retention. I love making grilled cheese with this - the subtle lavender adds such a unique dimension to a simple sandwich!", "name": "Stays Fresh Longer", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-05-30", "reviewBody": "The detailed instructions really helped me achieve the perfect texture. I especially appreciated the tip about properly kneading to develop gluten structure. Toast this bread and spread with a bit of butter - absolute heaven!", "name": "Great Instructions for Perfect Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Jensen", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "I grew lavender specifically to make this bread and it was worth every minute of waiting! The aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is incredible. I've made it three times now and it's consistently turned out beautifully each time.", "name": "Worth the Effort", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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