This oatmeal molasses bread is incredible served warm with some salted butter! It’s earthy and textured from the oats and just slightly sweet from the molasses.
3tablespoonsunsulphured molasses (not blackstrap, see notes)
2tablespoonshoney
3tablespoonsunsalted butter,melted and cooled, divided
1 1/2teaspoonskosher salt
Instructions
Place the active dry yeast and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Wait 5 minutes, giving the yeast a chance to activate, then add the flour and oats to the bowl. Attach the dough hook and turn the machine on low speed. Add the molasses, honey, 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, and the salt. Mix for 6-7 minutes on low speed. The dough should be light and sticky, but should hold together.
Lightly grease a bowl with a neutral flavored oil (such as vegetable oil). You can use the stand mixer bowl to save a dish. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat, then cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel. Set aside to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until double in size (see notes). Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch down to deflate.
Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan using butter or baking spray. Form the dough into a loaf shape and place into the pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let the dough rise until it reaches the top of the pan, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the remaining melted butter on top of the bread dough, then bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Turn the bread out of pan and cool almost completely on a wire rack. Slice thickly with a serrated knife. Serve topped with butter or alongside soup.
Notes
For some reason, I couldn’t get the bread to rise with blackstrap molasses. I was using this brand. The bread turned out beautifully when I switched to this brand.To help the dough rise, I make a proofing box using either my oven or microwave. To do this, simply boil some water and pour into a bowl. Carefully set the bowl of water in the oven or microwave next to the dough. This will create a warm, humid environment, which yeast loves.