Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

Making your homemade bread is worth the effort; there’s nothing more simple yet delicious. You can’t help but love a slice of warm freshly baked bread. There’s nothing more comforting than the simplicity of warm bread that’s fresh out of the oven with melted butter. This homemade oatmeal molasses bread recipe has a touch of sweetness, it’s hearty and perfect for slicing.

My mom always made this recipe when I was growing up. She learned to appreciate the art of bread making through my grandfather. It became nostalgic for her to make bread in the kitchen while we kids watched her. Fast forward twenty years and I’m now making this bread for my family. 

How Many Loaves This Bread Recipe Makes

Like any great bread recipe, it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You get three loaves from this recipe and it takes about 2.5 hours from start to finish. It’s well worth it for a few weeks of bread!

If your family can’t go through the three loaves, consider gifting one of the loaves. Everyone passes out cookies or candy, but it’s rare nowadays to receive homemade bread. You can even add a cute gift tag to it that says “Thought You Might Knead Some Homemade Bread” – isn’t that a cute idea?

The Best Time To Make Oatmeal Molasses Bread

I prefer to make homemade breads in the winter because you’ve got the oven on and it’s a hearty treat to enjoy. However, you’ll need a warm place for the bread to rise. I have placed my yeast dough in front of a heater or a room with a fireplace on. You don’t want direct heat, but a warm location will certainly help the yeast rise to its highest potential.

Oatmeal Molasses Bread Topping Ideas

My favorite way to enjoy this bread is toasted. That means there are so many ways to top it. Try a homemade Whipped Cinnamon Butter recipe or add a touch of sweetness with a homemade jam recipe – like this Blueberry Jam version. Another seasonal favorite is apple or pumpkin butter. There are so many possibilities. The butter melts into the dense bread and it’s to die for yummy!

Tips For Making Homemade Bread

• Grease the pans well: Ensure pans are lightly greased with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Bring ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature before incorporating them into the dough for better consistency.
• Measure flour properly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much, which can make the bread dense.
• Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, ensuring a soft and elastic texture. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
• Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature.
• Don’t overfill pans: Allow enough space for the dough to rise while baking; this recipe is divided into three portions.
• Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• Avoid drafts: Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to encourage a successful rise.
• Use a dough scraper: For easier handling and shaping of dough, use a bench scraper or dough cutter to divide and handle portions.

Can You Freeze This Bread?

Since this recipe makes three loaves, I highly recommend freezing some. It freezes beautifully. Wrap the cool bread in plastic wrap and cover it with aluminum foil too. This will prevent freezer burn. Store the bread in the back of the freezer where the temperatures are more stable. Freeze the bread for up to three months.

Let it thaw to room temperature before slicing it. After slicing, you can add it back to the toaster again. I like thick slices for my toast and sandwiches.

Oatmeal Molasses Bread Ingredients:

Step-By-Step Directions To Make Oatmeal Molasses Bread

In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the oatmeal.

Add the molasses, sugar, oil, and salt.

Let stand until mixture cools to 110°-115°, stirring occasionally.

Stir in yeast.

Add 8 cups flour. Beat until smooth.

Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.

Punch the dough down. Divide the dough into thirds and shape into loaves. Place in three greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.