Description
A warm and comforting homemade bread with a rich molasses flavor, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups warm water (for activating yeast)
- 1.5 tablespoons instant yeast (for quick rising)
- 1/3 cup molasses (for sweetness and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder (for color and a hint of cocoa)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for moisture)
- 1/3 cup honey (to sweeten)
- 2 teaspoons table salt (to balance flavors)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour (for nutritional value)
- 3–4 cups bread flour (to achieve structure)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (for brushing on top)
- Old-fashioned oats (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in the molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, and salt until well combined.
- Add the whole wheat flour and 2 cups of bread flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, adding more bread flour as needed until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush melted butter on top of the risen loaf and sprinkle with oats.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and then enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup. Use chocolate cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: bread, baking, molasses, warm bread, homemade bread, family recipe