Oatmeal Molasses Bread might sound fancy, but it’s really just a soft, slightly sweet bread that everyone falls in love with after one bite. It’s got a cozy, rustic vibe thanks to the oatmeal and molasses combo, which brings out a deep, lightly sweet flavor. This recipe is specifically designed for beginners who might be nervous about baking bread from scratch. You don’t need to be a pro baker—this recipe walks you through each step. Plus, doesn’t the idea of warm, homemade bread fresh out of the oven just make you want to grab some butter and dive in? Let’s get started and make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Oatmeal Molasses Bread For Beginners Recipe
Bread baking can feel like an intimidating world to step into, but trust me, this Oatmeal Molasses Bread for Beginners is like the friendly neighborhood guide you’ve been waiting for. The combination of oats and molasses gives this bread a wonderfully comforting flavor that feels like a hug in food form. Plus, the ingredients are simple and straightforward—no running around looking for fancy flours or hard-to-pronounce items! Historically, this bread became popular in New England, where molasses was a common pantry staple. It’s hearty, lightly sweet, and has a slightly nutty vibe from the oats. Whether you’re brand new to bread or you’re baking to impress someone, this bread is almost impossible to mess up. Not to mention, slicing into homemade bread is wildly satisfying—and it tastes better than anything from the store.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly bread recipe
- Perfect for sandwiches or as a snack
- Made with wholesome and simple ingredients
- Soft texture and a sweet molasses flavor
- Step-by-step instructions tailored for first-time bread bakers
- Turns your kitchen into a bakery with its amazing aroma
- Great for meal prep or making ahead
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rolled oats: These give the bread its chewy texture. You can swap in quick oats but avoid instant ones.
- Molasses: Adds a sweet, rich flavor. If you’re out of molasses, try honey or maple syrup, but the taste will change slightly.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. If you want a heartier loaf, you can use part whole wheat flour (just replace up to 1 cup).
- Yeast: Make sure it’s active and fresh; otherwise, your bread won’t rise properly!
- Milk: Adds tenderness. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can be substituted.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Start by soaking the oatmeal. Pour boiling water over your oats to soften them—this helps with texture and makes it easier to knead the dough later.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Combine the softened oats, molasses, milk, and a little bit of butter for richness.
- Add the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the flour, yeast, and salt to form a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Let it rise. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it sit for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaf. Punch down the dough, form it into a log, and place it in a greased bread pan.
- Bake to perfection. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds a little hollow when tapped.
Expert Tips for Success
Double-check your yeast is active if you haven’t baked in a while—it makes or breaks the recipe.
Don’t skip soaking the oats; they give your bread that perfect, soft crumb.
Knead the dough enough—but not overly. You want it elastic but not sticky.
Place the dough in a warm spot to rise. If your kitchen is cold, try the oven with the light on.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing—this keeps it from tearing.
Variations and Customizations
This bread is a great canvas for flavor experiments! You can sprinkle some cinnamon and raisins in the dough for a touch of sweetness, or go savory by adding some chopped-up fresh herbs (like rosemary) and a tiny pinch of garlic powder. If you want a nutty crunch, mix in a handful of sunflower seeds or chopped pecans.
Nutritional Information
One slice of this Oatmeal Molasses Bread is about 140 calories. It’s a source of complex carbs from oatmeal and flour, which give you long-lasting energy. The molasses adds a touch of natural sweetness while providing small amounts of iron and calcium. This bread is relatively low in fat, and if you make it using whole wheat flour, you’ll get some extra fiber too. Pair it with peanut butter for some added protein or enjoy it as-is for a light snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you manage to have leftovers (it’s so good, they might disappear!), store your bread at room temperature in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 days. Want it to last longer? Pop it in the fridge, but remember to warm it up before serving—bread from the fridge can feel dry if served cold. For reheating, slice the bread and toast it lightly, or wrap it in foil and stick it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Recipe Card of Oatmeal Molasses Bread For Beginners
Ingredients list
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2/3 cup Crosby's Fancy Molasses
- 6 cups flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, mingle butter, salt, and wholesome rolled oats.
- Bathe the oats mixture with two cups of boiling water. Let cool till just warm.
- Combine warm water with sugar in another bowl. Stir in yeast, then blend with the cooled oat concoction.
- Introduce the rich molasses into the mixture.
- Gradually blend in flour. For the final cups, lay dough on the counter if needed.
- Halve the dough, fashioning each into a loaf, then rest snugly in greased pans.
- Drape with a soft towel and let burgeon until twice the size, around 1.5 hours, depending on kitchen warmth.
- In a 350°F oven, bake for 45 minutes to an hour, awaiting the hollow sound when tapped.
- Free the loaves from their pans and allow to cool.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this bread without molasses?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. These will give slightly different flavors, but they’ll work in a pinch.
Do I need any special tools to make this?
Nope! All you need is a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a bread pan. A stand mixer can help knead the dough, but it’s not necessary.
Why didn’t my bread rise?
Check your yeast! If it’s old or expired, the dough won’t rise properly. Also, make sure your water or milk isn’t too hot—it can kill the yeast.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.