Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is easy to make and doesn’t require any processed sugar, relying instead on the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a soft and fluffy loaf that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or spreads. The added oats provide a hearty texture, making it perfect for a nutritious snack or as the base for a delicious sandwich.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 teaspoons dry active yeast
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup raw, natural honey
For topping: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons oats

Directions

Combine dry ingredients (flour, oats, yeast, salt) in a large mixing bowl.
In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium-low heat until the butter melts, stirring in the honey and water.
Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, add flour as needed until the dough is not sticky but not too dry.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30-60 minutes until doubled.
Roll out the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
Brush the top of the dough with honey and sprinkle with oats.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Rising Time: 1-2 hours total
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Variations

Add nuts or seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or chopped walnuts into the dough for extra crunch.
Dairy-free: Substitute the milk and butter with almond or coconut milk, and dairy-free butter.
Sweetness adjustments: Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter loaf.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread in a bread bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the loaf by wrapping it in plastic and then aluminum foil. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to add a little extra water to adjust.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take about 10 minutes of kneading to develop the right texture.

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add more honey to the dough for extra sweetness?

You can increase the honey, but be cautious not to add too much as it could affect the dough’s consistency and rise.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but quick oats can be used as a substitute if needed.

Can I make this bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your yeast is also gluten-free.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as an alternative to honey, but it will change the flavor slightly.

How long will this bread stay fresh?

Homemade bread typically lasts 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

What should I serve with honey oat bread?

It pairs beautifully with butter, jam, soups, or as a base for sandwiches.

Conclusion

Honey oat bread is a simple yet delightful recipe that’s perfect for everyday use. Its soft texture and hint of sweetness from honey make it an ideal addition to any meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and pantry staples, this bread will become a staple in your baking routine. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread!

Honey Oat Bread

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Author: Julia
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade honey oat bread combines the natural sweetness of honey with the hearty texture of oats, resulting in a soft and flavorful loaf. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting with butter, or enjoying alongside soups, this bread is simple to make and free from processed sugar. The oats give it an extra layer of nutrition and flavor that makes it stand out.

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, yeast, and salt.
Heat Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium-low heat until the butter melts. Stir in the honey and water.
Mix Dough: Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Knead with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes or by hand, adding flour as needed to form a smooth, non-sticky dough.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise: Roll out the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
Topping: Brush the top of the dough with honey and sprinkle with oats.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or chopped walnuts into the dough.

Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

Sweetness Adjustments: Add more honey if you’d prefer a sweeter loaf.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American