There’s something deeply comforting about the warm embrace of homemade bread fresh out of the oven. As I mixed the velvety molasses with earthy cocoa powder, the kitchen filled with a sweet aroma that promised indulgence. This journey began one rainy afternoon when I craved a slice of nostalgia, something reminiscent of simpler times, filled with cozy moments shared over buttered toast.
This Sweet Molasses Brown Bread stands out not only for its rich flavor but also for its uncomplicated preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll be rewarded with loaves that are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you slather it with a bit of honey for breakfast or serve it alongside your favorite soup, this bread will undoubtedly win over your family (and your guests!). Join me in making a staple that brings warmth to the home and heart—let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Sweet Molasses Brown Bread so special?
Comforting Aroma: The heavenly scent of molasses and cocoa wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the oven.
Simple Preparation: You only need basic ingredients and minimal effort to create something truly special.
Versatile Delight: Enjoy it warm with butter, as a part of a hearty meal, or even toasted for breakfast!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This bread is perfect for gatherings; it’s bound to impress family and friends alike.
Nostalgic Essence: Each slice evokes comforting memories of home-cooked meals and family traditions. Embrace the joy of baking at home by making this delightful Sweet Molasses Brown Bread today!
Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Ingredients
• Get ready to cozy up with a delightful homemade treat!
For the Dough
- Warm water – 2 1/2 cups, necessary to activate the yeast for that light texture.
- Instant yeast – 1 1/2 Tablespoons, ensures quick rising for your Sweet Molasses Brown Bread.
- Molasses – 1/3 cup, adds a rich sweetness and deep flavor to the bread.
- Natural unsweetened cocoa powder – 2 Tablespoons, enhances the bread’s color and adds a hint of chocolatey goodness.
- Vegetable oil – 3 Tablespoons, keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Honey – 1/3 cup, contributes natural sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
- Table salt – 2 teaspoons, balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Whole wheat flour – 3 cups (423g), provides heartiness and nutrition to your bread.
- Bread flour – 3-4 cups (423g to 564g), helps achieve a perfect structure and chewiness.
For the Topping
- Salted butter – 3 Tablespoons, melted, for brushing on top for added richness.
- Old-fashioned oats – for sprinkling, adds texture and a rustic touch to each loaf.
How to Make Sweet Molasses Brown Bread
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Combine the ingredients in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Pour in the warm water, instant yeast, molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix until everything is well blended.
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Gradually add the remaining flour while the mixer runs, starting with whole wheat, then adding bread flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
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Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray or a clean dish towel. Let it rise until doubled in size, which should take about 1-2 hours.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into two or three evenly-sized pieces based on your desired loaf size. Shape each piece into tight oval loaves and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for rising. Cover and let them rise again until puffy and doubled in size, for another 45-60 minutes. For an artisan touch, cut three slashes across the top of each loaf right before baking.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven, lightly brush with melted butter, sprinkle with oats, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked through. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Optional: Serve warm with butter or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Molasses Brown Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe, then after the initial rise, punch down the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This slow fermentation will enhance the flavors while keeping it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and letting it rise again. This way, your bread will be just as delicious as if you baked it fresh without the fuss of same-day preparation. Embrace the convenience of make-ahead baking, and enjoy that homemade taste on your busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Molasses Brown Bread
Room Temperature: Store your bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week, although this may slightly affect its texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To warm previously frozen Sweet Molasses Brown Bread, pop slices in a toaster or warm them in an oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Expert Tips for Sweet Molasses Brown Bread
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Perfectly Warm Water: Use water between 100°F and 110°F to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t rise!
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Kneading Technique: Ensure you knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly tacky. This develops gluten, giving your Sweet Molasses Brown Bread a lovely structure.
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Rising Time: Be patient! Let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size. If your kitchen is chilly, consider placing the bowl in a warm spot to facilitate rising.
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Loaf Size Matters: Dividing into two or three loaves not only helps with baking but also makes for easier slicing. Adjust to your preferred size but ensure they’re even.
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Oven Temperature Check: Always preheat your oven fully to 375°F to achieve a nice crust. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure of your oven’s accuracy!
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Cool Before Slicing: Allow your bread to cool before cutting to ensure the texture stays perfect. Slicing too early can lead to gummy bread!
Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and treat your taste buds to something unique!
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Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and substitute the butter with coconut oil for a plant-based twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the bread.
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Spiced Sensation: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor that dances beautifully with the molasses.
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Fruit-Enhanced: Fold in 1 cup of raisins or dried cranberries into the dough for a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the hearty taste.
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Chocolaty Richness: For chocolate lovers, increase the cocoa powder to 1/4 cup and consider adding chocolate chips for a delightful dessert bread.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to give the bread a savory twist, making it an exciting side for soups and stews.
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Honey-Oat Topping: Mix some brown sugar and oats for the topping instead of just oats for an extra sweet crunch that adds texture and flavor when baked.
What to Serve with Sweet Molasses Brown Bread?
Picture this: a cozy evening where the warmth of freshly baked bread mingles with delightful accompaniments, creating a beautiful symphony of flavors. Each slice offers a canvas just waiting for toppings or pairings that enhance its rich sweetness.
- Hearty Vegetable Soup: This classic pairing warms the soul with rich, savory flavors, making every bite of bread more comforting.
- Creamy Butter: A simple yet luxurious addition, spreading creamy butter enhances the sweetness of the bread and adds a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Homemade Jam: Try a tart raspberry or zesty citrus jam to contrast the sweetness of the molasses, creating a delightful breakfast treat.
- Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar complements the rich, sweet notes, while its creaminess adds depth, perfect for livening up your sandwich.
- Fresh Greens Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the density of the bread while adding a healthful crunch.
- Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate; its rich, chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with the cocoa notes in the bread.
- Caramelized Apples: The sweet, warm flavors of caramelized apples are a delicious topping, creating an indulgent dessert-style treat.
- Herbal Tea: Complement your warm bread with a fragrant cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint to calm and soothe the senses.
- Cinnamon Sugar Butter: Mixing cinnamon with softened butter creates a dreamy spread that elevates every slice to a decadent experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a unique dessert pairing, serve warm slices of the bread topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the warmth and creaminess meld together beautifully.
Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of molasses should I use for Sweet Molasses Brown Bread?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use unsulfured molasses, which has a rich taste without any bitterness. Brands like Grandma’s or Brer Rabbit are great choices! Dark molasses will also work, giving your bread a deeper flavor, while light molasses can provide a milder sweetness.
How can I tell if my dough has risen properly?
Very! Look for the dough to be nearly double in size and puffy. You can gently poke it with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s ready to be punched down. This ensures the yeast is active and has created enough air pockets for a light texture in your Sweet Molasses Brown Bread.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
For sure! Place your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Just keep in mind that refrigerating may slightly change the texture, making it a bit drier.
Can I freeze Sweet Molasses Brown Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. If you want it warm, reheat slices in a toaster or in an oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Is this bread safe for everyone to eat, including those with allergies?
Very important question! This Sweet Molasses Brown Bread contains wheat and honey, which may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies or specific dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, substitute the wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free bread flour blend and omit the honey if vegan. Always check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens!
Bake Sweet Molasses Brown Bread for Cozy Comfort Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Pour in the warm water, instant yeast, molasses, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Gradually add the remaining flour while the mixer runs, starting with whole wheat, then adding bread flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
- Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray or a clean dish towel. Let it rise until doubled in size, which should take about 1-2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two or three evenly-sized pieces based on your desired loaf size. Shape each piece into tight oval loaves and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for rising. Cover and let them rise again until puffy and doubled in size, for another 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven, lightly brush with melted butter, sprinkle with oats, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked through. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.