Oat Molasses Bread Recipe Maine – The Best You’ll Ever Taste!
A traditional New England classic, this oat molasses bread is soft, hearty, and full of rich molasses flavor. Made with wholesome rolled oats and naturally sweetened with molasses, this homemade loaf is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter and honey
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup molasses preferably dark molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- ½ cup warm water 110°F
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 ½ to 4 cups bread flour
Instructions
Prepare the Oats
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats with boiling water and stir.
- Add butter and mix until melted. Let cool to lukewarm, about 10–15 minutes.
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F).
- Stir in a pinch of sugar and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough
- Add molasses, brown sugar, and salt to the cooled oat mixture. Stir well.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add bread flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough becomes too thick to mix.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled.
Shape the Loaf
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise
- Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.
Cool and Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Flour Substitutions: Replace up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Molasses Choice: Dark molasses provides a balanced flavor, while blackstrap molasses gives a stronger, more intense taste.
Softening the Crust: Brush the baked loaf with melted butter for a softer crust.
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g