Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, homemade bread that's not just delicious, but also packed with wholesome goodness. This Sweet Oatmeal Whole Wheat Bread is more than just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that bridges traditional baking with modern, health-conscious eating. With its perfect balance of hearty whole wheat, nutty oats, and a touch of golden honey, this bread will revolutionize your home baking and leave your kitchen smelling like a artisan bakery.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, salt, and honey. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure that the salt and honey are evenly distributed.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the vegetable oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more whole wheat flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, seam side down. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Sweet Oatmeal Bread Whole Wheat with butter, jam, or as a sandwich base!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your water is precisely warm (around 110°F) when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Moisture Check: If the dough feels too sticky, add flour sparingly. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough, not a dry one.
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture and allow the crumb to set properly.Pro Tip: For an extra golden crust, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg before baking for a beautiful, glossy finish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
