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Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 loaves (approximately 36 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Sweet Molasses Brown Bread recipe yields soft, slightly sweet loaves with a rich molasses flavor and a hint of cocoa. Perfectly textured with a tender crumb, these breads are ideal for sandwiches or toast, enhanced by a delightful oat topping and buttery finish.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons table salt
  • 3 cups (423g) whole wheat flour
  • 3-4 cups (423g to 564g) bread flour
  • Old-fashioned oats (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, instant yeast, molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and 2 cups of the whole wheat flour. Mix these ingredients until well combined to form the initial dough base.
  2. Knead Dough: With the mixer running, gradually add the remaining flour, starting with the rest of the whole wheat flour, then adding the bread flour. Continue adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes soft and slightly tacky. Knead for 5-7 minutes to develop the gluten structure.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray or a light dish towel. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to fully activate.
  4. Shape and Second Rise: After punching down the dough to release air, divide it into two or three evenly-sized pieces, depending on desired loaf size. Shape each piece into tight oval loaves and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they have enough space to rise without touching. Cover lightly again and let them rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and doubled in size. Optionally, score the tops of the loaves with three slashes before baking.
  5. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven and brush the tops with the melted butter, then sprinkle with old-fashioned oats. Return the loaves to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the crust is browned and the bread is cooked through. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • The amount of bread flour may vary; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
  • Using a sharp blade to score the loaves helps the bread expand evenly while baking.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain texture.
  • You can store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/sweet-molasses-brown-bread-recipe/