Oat Bran Molasses Bread

Indulge in the wholesome goodness of our “Oat Bran Molasses Bread,” a recipe that seamlessly blends the rustic charm of oat bran with the rich sweetness of black-strap molasses. This delightful loaf, created to cater to your health-conscious cravings, brings together the nutty essence of oat bran and the robust flavor of molasses to craft a bread that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Join us as we guide you through the process of crafting this nutritious masterpiece, where each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating a harmony of taste, texture, and aroma that will delight your senses.

Ingredients

• ½ cup water, at 80ºF (27ºC) to 90ºF (32ºC)
• 1½ tablespoons melted butter, cooled
• 2 tablespoons black-strap molasses
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup oat bran
• 1½ cups whole-wheat bread flour
• 1⅛ teaspoons bread machine or instant yeast

Preparations

1. Begin by gathering the ingredients, ensuring that you have everything at hand for a seamless baking experience.
2. In your bread machine, layer the wet ingredients first: add water, followed by the melted butter. These elements provide moisture and richness to the bread.
3. Incorporate the distinctive sweetness of black-strap molasses into the mixture, enhancing the flavor profile with its robust undertones.
4. Season the dough with salt, which not only accentuates the flavors but also regulates the fermentation process.
5. Introduce the subtle warmth of ground nutmeg, a spice that complements both sweet and savory ingredients, adding a touch of complexity to the bread.
6. Elevate the bread’s nutritional value by incorporating oat bran, which not only contributes to the texture but also infuses the loaf with the earthiness of oats.
7. Add the whole-wheat bread flour, creating a foundation that combines the heartiness of whole-wheat with the delicacy of oat bran.
8. Finally, create a well within the dry ingredients and place the bread machine or instant yeast into it. This yeast will be responsible for the bread’s rise and structure.
9. Set your bread machine to the Whole-Wheat/Whole-Grain bread cycle, and select your desired crust color—light or medium. Initiate the baking process by pressing the Start button, allowing the machine to work its magic.
10. As the cycle progresses, the bread machine will knead, proof, and bake the dough, transforming it into a beautifully risen and fragrant loaf.
11. Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine, taking care to avoid burns.
12. Allow the freshly baked oat bran molasses bread to cool for approximately 5 minutes in the pan.
13. After the brief cooling period, gently shake the bread pan to release the loaf, and transfer it to a wire rack for further cooling.

Tips

• Customize the recipe by incorporating additional spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to suit your preferences.
• To enhance the nutty flavor, toast the oat bran before incorporating it into the dough.
• For a shiny crust, brush the top of the loaf with a mixture of egg wash or milk before baking.

Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 0g (0% DV)
• Sodium: 160mg (7% DV)
• Total Sugars: 3g

The enchanting allure of “Oat Bran Molasses Bread” lies in its ability to seamlessly marry the earthy simplicity of oat bran with the bold sweetness of black-strap molasses. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a unique role, contributing to the overall character of the loaf. As you embark on the journey of crafting this masterpiece, you’ll be introduced to the subtle alchemy that transforms simple elements into a loaf of bread that’s not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor and texture.

The process begins with the measured incorporation of wet ingredients, which set the foundation for a moist and tender crumb. Water, along with melted butter, collaborates to hydrate the dough and create the desired consistency. The introduction of black-strap molasses infuses the bread with a distinctive sweetness and depth that balances perfectly with the nutty oat bran.

Salt and ground nutmeg make their entrance, elevating the flavor profile to create a harmonious balance between sweet and savory. The intricate dance of ingredients continues as oat bran joins the ensemble, adding a rustic touch that’s reminiscent of comforting mornings and hearty meals. Whole-wheat bread flour further enriches the dough, forming a cohesive structure that’s as visually pleasing as it is delightful to the palate.