Honey Oat Bread is a soft, slightly sweet bread made with oats and honey, creating a deliciously tender texture with a subtle, natural sweetness. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for making Honey Oat Bread:
Honey Oat Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (divided)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing and brushing)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Oat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats and the salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl along with the oil.
- Stir the mixture together until combined. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the oats to soften.
3. Add the Flour:
- Gradually add the flour to the oat mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. Continue adding the flour until the dough comes together but remains soft and slightly sticky. You may not need all the flour or you may need a bit more, depending on the humidity and how the oats absorb moisture.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour as you knead. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
5. First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it up tightly, pinching the seams, and placing it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the top of the pan.
8. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of rolled oats for a decorative and hearty touch.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If desired, brush the top with melted butter after baking for a soft, glossy finish.
10. Cool and Slice:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- For a softer crust, you can cover the bread with foil after the first 20 minutes of baking.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle extra oats on top of the loaf before baking or mix some oats into the dough itself.
- Storage: Store the bread in a sealed plastic bag or bread box to keep it fresh for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.
Enjoy this Honey Oat Bread as a healthy and delicious option for sandwiches, toast, or just with a drizzle of honey or jam. The oats and honey give it a comforting flavor that’s perfect for any time of the day! Let me know if you need any variations!