Hey there, bread bakers! Alicia Springer here, ready to guide you through making Oat Molasses Bread, a loaf that’s as cozy as it sounds. Whether you’re slathering it with butter, pairing it with your favorite soup, or enjoying it toasted with a drizzle of honey, this bread is the perfect combination of hearty and sweet. With oats for texture and molasses for a touch of richness, this loaf will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds thanking you.
Let’s get baking!
Oat Molasses Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 cup rolled oats plus extra for topping
- 1 1/4 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour or a mix of both
Optional Toppings
- Rolled oats
- A drizzle of honey or melted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and activated.
- Stir in the molasses, olive oil, and salt.
- Add the rolled oats and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaf
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until it puffs up and fills the pan.
Preheat Oven
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake
- Brush the top of the loaf with water and sprinkle with rolled oats.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Notes
- For extra softness, replace half the water with warm milk.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Use blackstrap molasses for a deeper, richer flavor, or light molasses for a milder taste.
Variations
- Seeded Oat Bread: Add 2 tbsp of flaxseeds or sunflower seeds to the dough for added texture and nutrition.
- Sweet Cinnamon Oat Bread: Mix 1 tsp of cinnamon into the dough for a subtly spiced version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and a stabilizer like psyllium husk for best results.
Suggestions
Serve this bread toasted with butter and honey for breakfast, or pair it with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal. It also works great as a sandwich base with savory fillings like turkey and avocado or peanut butter and banana for a sweet twist.Final Thoughts
Oat Molasses Bread is one of those recipes that warms both your kitchen and your soul. Its hearty texture, wholesome flavor, and versatility make it a staple for any bread lover’s repertoire. Try it out, tag Recipe Conductor in your baking photos, and let us know how you made it your own!
