Bake Sweet Molasses Brown Bread for Cozy Comfort Today Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Molasses Brown Bread is a warm, comforting loaf with a rich, deep flavor and a tender crumb. Infused with molasses, honey, and a touch of cocoa, it’s perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea. This recipe guides you through making soft, flavorful bread that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1.5 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3-4 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for topping)
• Old-fashioned oats (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, instant yeast, molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix until well blended.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the remaining whole wheat flour and bread flour while mixing, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a lightly greased large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel. Let it rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours.
4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide into two or three equal pieces. Shape each into a tight oval loaf and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced apart.
5. Step 5: Cover and let the loaves rise again until puffy and doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake loaves for 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove loaves, brush tops with melted butter, sprinkle with oats, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through.
8. Step 8: Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a rustic artisan look, score three slashes across the top of each loaf before baking.
• Serve warm with butter or honey for extra sweetness.
• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easy kneading, or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, thaw slices as needed. Reheat in a toaster or oven to refresh the texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate it first by dissolving in warm water with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly before mixing with other ingredients.

Why is cocoa powder added to this bread?

The cocoa powder enhances the bread’s color and adds a subtle chocolate note that complements the molasses and honey flavors without making it taste like chocolate bread.

Bake Sweet Molasses Brown Bread for Cozy Comfort Today Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

This Sweet Molasses Brown Bread recipe offers a cozy and comforting homemade bread with a rich, slightly chocolatey flavor from cocoa powder and hearty whole wheat flour. It is naturally sweetened with molasses and honey, delivering a tender, moist loaf topped with buttery oats for added texture and rustic charm. Perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack, this bread combines ease of preparation with delightful taste.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 to 3 loaves 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1.5 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 to 4 cups bread flour

For the Topping

• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• Old-fashioned oats, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, instant yeast, molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix until well blended to form a starter dough.
2. Add Remaining Flour and Knead: Gradually add the remaining whole wheat flour and bread flour while mixer runs. Continue kneading for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is soft, tacky, and pulls away cleanly from the bowl sides.
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean, slightly sprayed dish towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
4. Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide into two or three equal pieces depending on desired loaf size. Shape each piece into a tight oval loaf and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
5. Second Rise: Cover the loaves again and allow them to rise until puffy and doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes more.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until they start turning golden brown.
7. Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove loaves from oven and brush tops with melted butter. Sprinkle with old-fashioned oats for texture and rustic appearance. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through and crusty on top.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing to prevent sogginess. Serve warm with butter or honey if desired.

Notes

• For a rustic artisan look, make three slashes across the top of each loaf before baking.
• Serve warm with butter or honey to enhance the natural sweetness.
• Use a stand mixer with dough hook to ensure proper kneading and dough development.
• Make sure water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.

Keywords: sweet molasses bread, brown bread, homemade bread, molasses bread, whole wheat bread, cocoa bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread at home