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Oat Molasses Bread

Alicia Springer
This Oat Molasses Bread is a rustic, slightly sweet loaf made with hearty oats and rich molasses. It’s versatile enough to be served as toast, alongside soups, or as a sandwich base. With its nutty flavor and soft texture, this bread is as delicious as it is nourishing. This recipe serves 10 slices and takes just under 2 hours to prepare and bake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf
Calories 160 kcal

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 9x5-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.
Keyword Oat Molasses Bread