
Oatmeal Molasses Bread For Beginners
This easy oatmeal molasses bread recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires very little kneading and you don’t need to proof the yeast.
Oatmeal molasses bread is cold-weather comfort food. It’s just right alongside baked beans or a hearty stew, or toasted with butter and jam, or maybe drizzled with molasses. Like many Maritimers I grew up eating fresh-baked brown bread with supper on Saturday night, smeared with butter and dipped in something warm.
This recipe came from my aunt Nana back in the late 1960s. She was a transplanted New Brunswicker living outside of Montreal. The recipe was given to her by a next-door neighbour who just happened to be from New Brunswick too. (What are the chances? Two transplanted New Brunswickers living next door to one another in a suburb of Montreal, sharing recipes for comfort food from back home.)
I love this recipe – it’s the first bread I learned to bake. I grew up eating it alongside molasses baked beans.
Is homemade bread your comfort food?
How to make easy oatmeal molasses bread:
- You don’t need to proof the yeast and there is no kneading involved, so as far as breads go this oatmeal molasses bread is quick and easy to mix up.
- Scrape the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface to incorporate the final cup or two of flour. This will be the only kneading you’ll need to do for this recipe.
- If the dough is feeling too sticky to manage you can add up to 1/2 cup of extra flour.
Oatmeal Molasses Bread For Beginners
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Muffins & Quick Breads
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2/3 cup Crosby’s Fancy Molasses
- 6 cups flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine butter, salt, and rolled oats.
- Pour the 2 cups of boiling water over the rolled oats mixture. Cool to lukewarm.
- In a small bowl combine 1 cup of warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast then add to the cooled oat mixture.
- Mix in molasses.
- Gradually add flour. (You may need to turn the dough out onto the counter to incorporate the final cup or two of flour.)
- Divide dough in half, shape into loaves, and place in two greased loaf pans.
- Cover with a clean dishtowel and let rise until doubled in bulk (about 1.5 hours, but really depends on how warm your kitchen is).
- Bake at 350 F for 45 minutes to an hour, until loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from pans to cool.
Sharon Barker
Does this recipe work using gluten free flour?
Crosby Molasses
Hello Sharon,
We have never tried this recipe with gluten free flour. If you give it a try, please let us know :) -Marie from Crosby’s Kitchen
Janice Langworthy
I just am making this bread and the dough is very sticky. I added more flour and it’s the consistency of a banana bread. I followed the recipe to a T. Is it suppose to be so loose and tacky?
Julie Tornquist
Like many others on here, this is very similar to my great grandmother’s recipe. It was the first bread I ever made when I was a kid spending summers in New Brunswick. Now I wonder if I am related to the author of this post. 🤣🤣
Julie Tornquist
We also used to have this bread every Sat. night with the baked beans the author lists above. Such wonderful memories from my childhood.
MJ Bradstreet
I’ve been making this bread for over a year now! The simplicity of the recipe, the success and raves from my family gave me the courage to try more yeast recipes! This remains my go to brown bread recipe however ? Love the Crosby’s site and recipes! Thank you!
Heidi
Can you substitute whole wheat flour ?
Crosby Molasses
We have never tried this recipe with only whole wheat flour. If you give it a try, let us know
-Crosby’s Team
Mitzi DAGGETT
Made this delicious bread today. Love the texture and wonderful flavor. Very easy recipe .
How do I send you a picture.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Mitzi, thanks for trying our recipes! I you can send your picture using Facebook page (please send us a direct message)-Marie-Pierre at Crosby’s Kitchen
Merle
Whole Wheat has less gluten try half whole wheat and half bread flour
Carolea in Nova Scotia
Made this today, and will definitely make it again. Very much like my grandmother’s recipe with much less time and effort to make. Thank you so much!
Crosby Molasses
Thanks Carolea for trying our recipes! -Marie at Crosby’s Kitchen
Jean Haynes
Why reply to a twit who asked ^^ pour boiling water on the oats , or is it the reverse ? ^^ what’s the difference ?? Your recipe is soooo close to the one my granny made !!! Without the rising , kneading , rising again ,eventually going into pans , rising , then eventually in the oven // gave it a try with half the recipe /IT WAS GREAT !! now have a son and a neighbor baking same !! Thanks so much !!!!
GREAT !!
Jean Haynes
Tried your recipe this AM / GREAT !!! quick , easy !! same taste and texture as mine // Will definitely use your recipe instead of my Very Old one which requires yest proof , lots of kneading x2 and rising x2 = takes all day .
Anne Gallant
Hello,
Should the flour be bread flour or is all purpose okay. I’ve made this a number of times with ap but wondered which one was better.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Anne, I always use all-purpose flour for my yeast breads (and sometimes I use a little whole wheat). I never did get into the habit of buying bread flour.
Anne Gallant
Can this recipe be halved?
Reid
Hi Bridget
Been making this recipe for a while now; delicious! Today, I showed my 14-year-old grand-daughter how to make it by face-timing. Thanks!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Reid, Love that you taught your grand daughter via FaceTime!
Judy
Question…bake for 45 mins to an hour or til leaves sound hollow? I’ve never really understood this instruction….do you take it out of pan at 45 minutes and tap bottom to see if it sounds hollow and put back in the oven if it doesn’t?
Crosby Molasses
Hi Judy, As soon as I read your comment I thought to myself, you are completely right. I tap the top of the loaves usually prefer to keep them in longer to err on the side of caution.
Julie Tornquist
You can also use an instant read thermometer. Bread is done at 190 degrees. Never have another raw in the middle loaf!
Violet French
I am still so confused about the yeast – your recipe says “2 Tbsp dry yeast” – I have Flieschmann’s Quick-Rise Instant Yeast. So, I think from reading your replies above that I have to use 2 of the 8 gram sachets for the recipe – each sachet/packet has 2 1/4 teaspoons or 11 mL and your recipe calls for 2 Tablespoons – there are 3 teaspoons in each Tablespoon, so I think I have to use two packets of the Quick-Rise Instant Yeast and it still might be a bit short? Help. I guess I am not sure what the difference is between Quick-Rise Instant Yeast and “dry yeast” as referred to in your recipe. Thanks!!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Violet, You can use one packet of yeast for each Tablespoon called for in the recipe. The recipe calls for standard dry yeast (it’s quite an old recipe) but you can still use quick rise.
Anne
Made this today and it turned out great. I used the dough hook on my Kitchen-Aid but added the last two cups of flour by hand. Found the dough a bit sticky but not too bad. Perfect comfort food for a snowy, freezing rain kind of day here in New Brunswick. Will definitely make again and trying it with raisins next time.
Lynn Purdy
Anne, I am happy that your bread turned out fine. Raisins, I feel, just add and extra bit to the comfort. Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
I halved this recipe and tried it in my breadmaker and it came out good but it may have been a bit too much dough for the capacity of the machine – the top crust collapsed in one spot. I added 3 Tbsp of flour after it started mixing because the dough looked wet. Turned out very well though – great texture and taste – having a hard time keeping myself away from it…lol! Thanks so much for the recipe.
Lynn Purdy
Wendy, I’m glad it worked out for you. Homemade bread (well anything homemade) is hard to stay away from. Thanks for sharing.
Sandra
I have a similar recipe for bread machine brown bread. My machine broke, so I will give this a try.
sharon
I really like this this bread. It is easy to make and so much more filling than store bought bread. It does take me time to get used the full flavor or molasses. Thanks for sharing. : )
Sylvia
I made this recipe to have fresh bread for my New Brunswick Baked Beans it was superb! The only substitute was fresh yeast as I get better results. I added some sultanas to one of the loaves and it was delicious. Will definitely keep this recipe, it was so quick to come together and get into the oven. Thank you.
Laura
Home from work today because of another PEI blizzard and just made Mom’s Oatmeal Brown bread recipe. It was delicious! Going to make this often whether it’s winter or summer! Many thanks from Charlottetown.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Laura, Glad you like the recipe. It’s definitely a favourite in our house.
Bob Rink
Bridget, I want to print a recipe from your e mail )Oatmeal Brown) but cannot seem to find out how when you ise this format of a few recipes other. In the old format I did not have a problem. I keep the ones I male and like in a book as a quick reference for me as opposed to an electronic file. This just works for me and the paper tells the tale of how much I use the receipe. Since discovering you I use a lot of molasses – all three grades of Crosby’s
Lynn Purdy
Bob, try looking at the top right-hand corner of the photo… there should be a “print” icon. Please keep printing and cooking/baking!
Pingback: Apple Sage Baked Beans | Classic Comfort Food with a Twist - Crosby's Molasses
Deb Thomas
Hi Bridget,
I’m a transplanted Newfoundlander living in Vancouver. My grandmother was an awesome baker who made every single one of her magical creations by feel, and with whatever ingredients she had on hand. Her oatmeal brown bread, which she referred to as “lassi bread”, tasted just like this recipe. Her version of this bread was much more labour intensive, and baked in a wood stove. She rose well before the sun did on bread baking day (always Thursday) and filled her house with the luscious scent of bread rising, baking and cooling. Everyone wanted the heel of the loaves, but they were reserved for my paternal great grandmother.
This recipe was dead easy to make, and tastes pretty much exactly like my grandmother’s: divine. Thank you so much for this gift. I made a dozen loaves and shared them with neighbours, like my grandmother always did.
Thanks again,
Deb
Crosby Molasses
Dear Deb, I love to hear stories like yours so thanks for sharing. And I’m happy that you found this easy version of an old fashioned brown bread so you can continue your grandmother’s traditions.
John C. Colford
Made Mom’s Oatmeal Bread. Really nice, pleasant bread. Tossed in 2 handfuls of Thompson raisins which picked up the favors of the molasses. Many thanks
Crosby Molasses
Hi John, I love your suggestion to add raisins. As much as I enjoy raisin brown bread I never think to add raisins to my bread. May be next time…
Trish Carmody
I’m just waiting for my laves to rise. I used half honey and half molases, I can’t wait to see how it tastes!
Leta
I just made this bread for the first time today. It is freakin’ awesome. Thank you!
I am from Nova Scotia and this is just like I remember it from friend’s Mom’s…lol
I baked both loaves in metal loaf pans and at 350F, but it only took 40 mins.
I then brushed some melted butter over the hot tops to prevent the crust from getting too hard.
First loaf is already gone…….oh my.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Leta, so pleased that you enjoyed the bread!
Sherry
Made this today first time, I needed to add extra flour, fingers crossed it turns out, treat for my honey
Crosby Molasses
Hi Sherry, I hope your bread worked out well. It’s one of my favourite recipes.
Lisa
This is my go to recipe for brown bread…..so easy…so delicious. No need to look any further.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Lisa, I agree, it’s one of those classic recipes that you never want to replace.
Julie
Hi, I was wondering how to go about turning this into a large quantity recipe, looking for something that would make about 10-12 loaves
Crosby Molasses
Hi Julie, You could start by tripling the recipe to aim for 6 loaves. When it comes to flour you might need to just go by feel. From there you can try doubling the larger recipe. Sometimes when I want to make six loaves I just do the recipe three times at once (I have three large mixing bowls).
Sheila
Hey Bridget. I found this recipe to be almost a batter with just 6 cups of water – so much so that I couldn’t handle it to divide into the pans. I do notice that other recipes I found don’t use as much liquid to roughly the same amount of flour. I did put in 2 more cups of flour and still it was sticker than what I would call “normal” (it’s rising now). Is it supposed to remain quite wet? I notice that no kneading is called for in the method.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Sheila,
Weather can do funny tings to bread dough moisture so I wonder if that’s the case with your bread. Let me know if it baked up okay. Also, this is a “no-knead” recipe, which is part of the appeal.
Sharon
I added a couple extra cups of flour too.
Audrey
I make this recipe, except for using regular bread pans, I grease (really well) large apple juice cans, let raise and bake. I make the loaves about the size of a large grapefruit. When it raises, it almost fills the can. Makes a really nice slice. I also have a bread machine recipe that tastes exactly the same.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Audrey,
I love that idea! It must make such a pretty load. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, I’d love to see your bread machine recipe. I get asked all the time for a book oatmeal brown bread recipe for the bread machine but I don’t have one.
charlotte
I made the oatmeal brown bread and it is yummy, will be making this often!!
Dot Joice
I just returned from grocery store with Crosby’s Molasses in tow. Unfortunately I see that I got the “cooking” molasses instead of the “fancy” molasses. What is the difference and should I get the fancy one instead?
Crosby Molasses
Hi Dot, Cooking molasses is a blend of blackstrap (70%) and fancy (30%) so is much more robust than fancy (and quite nutritious). I use it in recipes that call for no more than 1/4 cup of molasses. You can also use it along with fancy, just to use it up. There are those who wouldn’t use anything else in the baked beans but it’s al a matter of taste.
Patricia
Anxious to make this recipe. I have never made bread before ! Tell me, when you pour the 2 cups of water over the oats, do you mix it all before cooling it ? Thank you !!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Patricia, Yes, you can mix it together. Good luck.
Chrissie
I am adding a cup of grape nut cereal hoping to get a moist, dense bread…we will see!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Chrissie, I’d love to hear how your bread turned out with the grape nut cereal.
Angela
This is the best brown bread recipe I have ever had. I love that I forgot I had some rolls left and after 4 days there were still so fresh. Tastes like it did when I was a kid. Definitely a favorite in our house
Crosby Molasses
Hi Angela, This recipe is a favourite in our house too. Also, I never thought to use the dough to make rolls. Thanks for the suggestion.
Maggie
Your old reciepes are no longer on your website??? I loved the cornbread and molasses brown bread – any chance you’ll load them again? I never printed them expecting these oldies-but-goodies to always be there!! Help!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Maggie, We’re in the process of moving to a new site and are working through some lumps and bumps. You’ll find all of our old recipes at http://www.crosbys.com. If you’re having trouble please email me bridget.oland@crosbys.com and I’ll ensure you get what you’re looking for. Sorry.
Natasha
Great thanks! Here’s my blog if you want to check it out : ) http://www.natasharosesmusings.blogspot.com
Crosby Molasses
Hi Natasha, You have a great blog, and I log that it’s local.
Natasha
Hi Bridget- do you mind if I post this recipe on my blog? I will give the link to your blog and make sure I put crosbys molasses…..
Crosby Molasses
Hi Natasha, You’re welcome to share the recipe on your blog. Standard practice is to not include the method on your site and instead link back to the original site for the method. I hope that works for you. Thanks.
valerie
hi , can I mix this in my kitchen aid , I find it hard to mix breads. and do I use the dough hook after mixing like other breads. or just mix and put in the pan. thanks. looking forward to trying this.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Valerie, Yes, go ahead and use the dough hook on your mixer, just like for other breads.
Natasha
Hi there! I just made this bread and it turned out awesome- so easy and soooo moist- we have eaten half a loaf since it came out an hour ago! We are down here on deer island and I was pleased to see it was a “local” recipe : ) Thank-you for sharing!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Natasha, I’m so pleased that you liked it. Gotta love easy yeast bread recipes, especially in winter.
Gail
I have never made bread before, white or brown and this bread was so easy to make and tasted really good!! So happy I found this receipe.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Gail, I’m so pleased that you discovered this recipe. I warn you though, you might be hooked on homemade bread forever!
Sheila
Almost same recipe but I used shredded wheat in the recipe. Use the oats now
Crosby Molasses
Hi Sheila,
I have heard of shredded wheat in bread. Do you prefer the oats?
Dawn Bovingdon
I have been looking for this recipe for a long time. I am originally from Fredericton, NB and was given this recipe by a co-worker. I know I made it a lot but when we moved I lost it. When I made it, instead of using bread pans, I used juice cans.(Apple or Tomatoe). Just make sure to grease well! Thanks for sharing!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Dawn, How great that you have rediscovered an old favourite. I love the idea of baking it in juice cans…very festive.
Debra
Thanks for posting this recipe, I have made it 3 times now, and every time is was excellent. I normally make a double batch, and it makes 7 good size loaves which lasts our family for the week, if not passing it out to family and friends. :)
Crosby Molasses
Hi Debra, I’m thrilled that you’re making such good use of this recipe!
Mark
Is the dough suppose to be really sticky? Seemed like it needed more flour, but have only ever made double rising bread. I added a bit extra but didn’t want to ruin it…it is not baked yet, so I can’t tell if it is okay or not.
Crosby Molasses
Did the recipe work out alright for you? Sometimes I need a bit more flour, but not much.
chantell
Thanks for the recipe. Im in the process of making it as we speak :))) I did use a mixture of rice flour, whole wheat & white… hopefully it turns out!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Chantell, Great idea to use a variety of flours. Let me know how it turns out.
Lisa
Not sure if it was because I used black strap molasses or what, but 2/3 Cup of molasses is way, WAY too much for this recipe! I’d probably cut that amount in 1/2 at least, if not more. Even 1/4 cup would suffice!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Lisa,
Blackstrap would definitely make a huge difference in this recipe since it’s so robust, a little bitter and not very sweet. I agree, 2/3 of a cup is perfect if you’re using Fancy Molasses but 1/4 cup it always my limit when using blackstrap or cooking molasses in any recipe. On the bright side, your bread made with blackstrap is incredibly nutritious.
Kayla
Fantastic recipe, This bread has a small level of sweetness to it from the molasses but it blends in so nicely. Loved it, it’s a nice and thick hearty bread that goes well with a soup!
Bridget
Thanks Kayla, I’m glad you liked it. I’ll be sure to let my mom know too, since it’s the recipe I grew up with.
micheline
these recipes are awesome thanks for shareing
MW
Amazing! The first batch was a huge hit. I used oats and some 12 grain cereal for a little multigrain feel. Today I am going to try this with a little less molassses (sorry, Crosby’s :))… just for a change and slighlty less sweet bread, which I think would be better for sandwhiches.
Bridget
I love how this recipe is so adaptable. I really enjoy hearing about the different ways people make this bread their own.
stephanie
I am about to put a batch in the oven to have for Sunday dinner…Homemade beans, homemade meatballs, potato salad, and macaroni salad… Most likely will add a cake for dessert…Can’t wait to taste test it..
Bridget
Wow Stephanie, I’d like to have supper at your house! I hope you enjoyed the bread.
Heather &Dave Shedden
COULD YOU USE A SELF RISING FLOUR INSTEAD OF YEAST IN THE OAT MEAL BREAD.
Bridget
Hi Heather,
I don’t think you could substitute self rising flour since it uses baking powder as a levening agent. But I do have a couple of recipes on this blog for non-yeast brown bread. Here’s a link
Heidi
Put it together today, went snowshoeing for an hour, now I am going to bake it. We are having it with homemade seafood chowder which includes lobster caught by us, clams dug by my husband, Jim, scallops shucked by us and some haddock. Really what more could we ask for. I will let you know later how the bread and rolls turned.
Bridget
Hi Heidi,
Wow, I’m so envious. Your chowder sounds so delicious and ultra homemade. I took a look at your rental cottages and they got me longing for summer. We have been meaning to take our kids to Deer Island so maybe 2013 will be the year.
Kathy
I also used half whole wheat flour and half white.
Bridget
Mmmm, great substitution!
Kathy
It’s rising now. Can’t wait to taste. Being a Newfie, I love sweet bread.,I added raisins to mine just for the extra texture.will post on results when I try it to taste.
Bridget
Hi Kathy, Sounds delicious, expecially with the whole wheat flour. I hope that it worked out well!
Muqia
Hey, just wondering if I can mix this up in my kitchen aid if it would matter?
Thanks
Bridget
Hi Muqia, I have never tried making bread with my mixer but I don’t see why you couldn’t give it a try. It wouldn’t need much mixing though since the only kneading required is to incorporate the last of the flour. If you try it could you let me know? Thanks!
Julie gouley
Can you half the recipe successfully. I just want to make one loaf
Bridget
Hi Julie, I have never made a half batch of this bread but I’m sure it would work just fine.
Sonia Myre
I only have one loaf pan so I have only made this recipe halved – the ingredient measurements make this very easy – and it works out perfectly.
Crosby Molasses
Hi Sonia, Great suggestion! I’ll add that tip to the recipe. Thanks.
Sue
Hi, Don’t know that we can get the Fancy Molasses in the UK. Can we substitute anything else?
Thanks.
Bridget
Hi Sue,
If you’re willing to experiment a bit you could try a 3:1 ratio of Lyle’s Golden Syrup and blackstrap molasses or you could try a dark treacle. It won’t have the same tang of fancy molasses but it’ll get you close. Good luck!
heather marie
sounds like dessert to me – delicious!
Bridget
Hi Heather,
I know what your mean…slathered with butter and a drizzle of molasses….mmmm
Shelley
Have you tried this in a breadmaker at all? Any modifications needed?
Bridget
Hi Shelley,
I haven’t tried it in a bread machine but I found this article that helps with adapting recipes for bread makers. Here’s the link: http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/how_to_adapt_a_recipe_for_the_bread_machine.php
Good luck!
Janet Kroetch
Can you use potato starch instead of flour. I’ve been buying a gluten free bread that contains potato starch and millet and wonder if you could substitute.
Bridget
Hi Janet,
Hmmm, I’m not sure if potato starch would be enough. It seems to me that a lot of gluten free breads have a xanthan gum mixed in but I’m not sure of the proportions. All that to say, I’m just a newbie in the gluten-free baking world. Sorry I can’t be of much help.
gisele
Hello answering this lady about gluten free bread it is a mixture of different flours ta make this bread e-mail me if you want and I will send you the recipe I do have it.
Crosby Molasses
Thank you Gisele! I’ll email you this morning.
Amanda
Do you have a gluten free option for this recipe, Gisele? If so, will you please email it to me? Thanks!
michelle
I would LOVE to have Gisele’s GF recipe!!! Thanks!!
Bronwyn
Ahhh! Would anyone mind sending me a gluten free version of this too? I’m dying for some “East Coast” brown bread since being diagnosed with celiac disease!
Crosby Molasses
Hi Bronwyn, I dearly wish I had a GF version of a good molasses brown bread to send you. I have never attempted this recipe with a GF flour.
Carol Amero
I have been making this recipe for years…and it is so good….and so easy to make….my family loves it and I serve it to company who look forward to eating it when they come to our home…..awesome recipe
Bridget
Hi Carol,
I love that this is an old family recipe of yours too! There’s nothing better than a slice of homemade bread…
Kay Card
I just found this recipe but it sure looks good and I plan to make it .Thank you
Bridget
Hi Kay,
It’s a good one. Enjoy!
Storm
When I get home I will experiment with combos of spelt and kamut flour. I can’t do wheat. I’m originally from N.S., brought back memories seeing this! Do you know what this brand of molasses is prduced from? Is it sugar cane, sugar beets or some combo of the two? I don’t do sugar beet products, it’s mostly GMO. :(
Bridget
You’ll be happy to know that our molasses is made from sugar cane and is certified GMO free.
deb
Awesome bread really tasty. Any herb suggestions ,?
Crosby Molasses
Hi Deb, Adding an herb is a great suggestion. I’m a big fan of herbes de Provence so would probably try that (I add it to my pizza dough).
Mollydolly
This is the same recipe I have used in years,in fact I do believe the original crosbys molasses plant is in our city,still operating. When I make it I throw i/2 cuo cornmeal in the oatmeal mixture,,,it gives it a nice texture
Bridget
What a great idea…I love cornmeal!
Sandra wright
Looks great! Can I use the small packets of active dry yeast instead?
Bridget
Hi Sandra,
Yes, a packageo of yeast usually equals 1 Tbsp.
Ann Marie
A must try for me. Best breadmakers come from New Brunswick. Was down there visiting in my youth and got to try some homemade bread. This lady verbally told me her recipe that I – today use and bake for her five great grandchildren.All adults now. Thanks for your loving kindness r.i.p. Pearl (from Ludlow) New Brunswick I’m from Ontario
Bridget
Hi Ann Marie, I’m curious, is the recipe that you bake similar to this brown bread recipe?
Monique
I a malsonnant from NB, Saint John morte precisely. Can you send me your recipe.
I’m just starting to learn how to make bread. My laye Mother uses to make bread all the time but she had no written recipe, it was in her head and the feeling of the dough. My e-mail is mhebert@upei.ca
Lynn Purdy
Monique, I emailed you the recipe
Carol O'Reilly
I am a New Brunswicker, live in Saint John. I cannot wait to try your recipe…have been searching for a tried and true recipe for a very long time! Thank you.
Bridget
Hi Carol,
This has been my family’s favourite for decades so I hope it’s what you’re looking for.
Jeannou
I will try this right now. Look delicious!
Will let you know how it’ turn.
Thanks
Bridget
Hi Jeannou,
I’d love to hear how it turns out! Enjoy.
Margie
Just curious….can this be modified for the bread machine?
Bridget
Hi Margie,
I have never adapted a recipe for a bread machine but I found this article on Canadian Living that might be helpful http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/how_to_adapt_a_recipe_for_the_bread_machine.php
Good luck!
Nancy
Hi, I can’t wait to try this. I am wondering though if you use white sugar or brown sugar.. I am thinking white as it’s not specified.
Bridget
Hi Nancy,
I use white sugar but brown sugar would work too.
cathy
is it white flour or brown
Bridget
Hi Cathy, You could use all purpose white or a whole white flour in the recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
jackie savage
Hi, I’m wondering if I should leave the dry yeast, sugar and warm water sit for a while before adding anything to it…
Bridget
Hi Jackie, For this recipe there is no need to soften the yeast in the water. Just mix them together than move to the next step. It`s part of what makes the recipe quick and easy…no 10 minute wait to proof the yeast!
Jean
Hi I am wondering if you need to use 2 tsp. of salt or can you use no salt.
Bridget
Hi Jean — I believe that salt is an important part of making the bread rise properly. Here’s a bit of info I found that better explains it: “Salt is used in most bread recipes to control the rate of fermentation and to give flavour. The presence of salt in a dough inhibits fermentation, which strengthens the developing gluten. This results in a bread with a stable crumb, a long shelf-life and more taste than breads without it.” That said, you could try reducing the salt a bit and see if you still like the texture and taste of the bread. Good luck.
Brenda Norwood
Would bread machine yeast be the same as dry yeast?
Bridget
Hi Brenda — I have a feeling bread machine yeast is a little different. This is the conversion info that I found…”To substitute instant or bread machine yeast for active dry yeast, use 25% less instant yeast than active dry yeast.” Good luck!
Heather Coulson
Yesterday I just made the Oatmeal Bread from the first book…it seemed SO batter like for the first rising that I added 1 more full cup of flour and then before kneading it i added another 1.5 cups because it was so sticky. However, it turned out to be the best loaf of bread I have ever made!! Beautiful sofr texture and loaded with flavour! Thanks!
Bridget
Hi Heather — Thanks for the feedback on the oatmeal bread. We put the recipe in our new book too so I have made a note to test it.
Charlee
I have instant yeast,can I use that in place of dry yeast? And how or when would I add it to the mix?
Bridget
Hi Charlee, Hmm, I’m not sure exactly how to swap instant for regular yeast but this is what I found on line: in substituting instant yeast for active dry yeast, it generally accepted that you would use 25% less of the instant. Good luck!
sheila
what size pans do you use
Bridget
Hi Sheila — I have never measured them but they’re on the large size.
Maxine Townsley
I love raisins in my brown bread. |Is it okay and how much is allowed?
Bridget
Hi Maxine,
I’d start with 1 – 11/2 cups. It should still rise and bake fine. Good luck!
Heather Coulson
Will be trying this one today!!! Love it when you don’t need to double rise it!!! Much quicker!
Bridget
I hope that you enjoy it!
Ceci
I started making this bread a gzillion years ago. It is STILl my go-to recipe when winter arrives, as it seems to have done this morning.
Bridget
I know what you mean. As soon as the snow flies it’s on my mind.
Sue
First real snowfall of the year yesterday. Hubby is clearing the foot of snow, I’m making brown bread :)
donna marie smith
You mean you don’t let it rise before panning it. First time I seen a recipe like this..
Bridget
I know, that’s why it’s so easy. Just one rising.
Carole MacInnis
I proof my bread in my oven, if you don’t have a proofing setting on your oven. Turn the oven on to 200 degrees, once heated turn the oven off; open the door to let the initial heat out, then put your bread in the oven let it rise. Remove it once it has double in bulk, heat your oven to the desired cooking temp. Put your bread in the oven and cook as per the recipe states. This prevents your bread getting a cold ‘draft” while rising.
Crosby Molasses
What a great tip Carole. It will sure speed up the process when baking bread during the winter. Thanks for sharing.
Susan
Another great way to let dough rise in your oven is to turn the light on in your oven, just the right amount of warmth.
Crosby Molasses
Great tip! Thanks.
Audrey
I have always raised my bread in the oven, works great.
Tammy
I usually just turn the oven light on and thst creates enough heat for the bread to rise
Laura
So do I
Peter Bourque
I do something very similar. Turn the oven on the lowest temperature setting for 20 – 30 seconds just to heat it up a little bit, then turn the light on and it will keep the oven warm. i’ve been using this method for years.
Crosby Molasses
That is such a great suggestion. It’s the next best thing to having an old fashioned bread box.
Carlo Wood
I do this too.This is almost identical to my mother’s recipe.
Karen Munro
this is a familiar recipes except I use an egg and oil..But I will try it ,yummy!
Bridget
Hi Karen, May be I’ll try adding an egg to my recipe…
Cindy T.
Looks good, but can I substitute whole wheat flour without changing anything else ?
Bridget
Hi Cindy,
Yes, you should be able to substitute whole wheat flour without a problem. You might want to try it first half and half, to see if you like the texture, and then go from there.
Valerie Martin
>i have been looking for a brown bread receipe for a long time and i dont think ontario people knows what we are talking about when we say brown they think we mean whole wheat thanks a bunch will make next week on my day off i will let you know what i think ok
Bridget
Dear Valerie, I would love to hear what you think about the recipe. Hopefully it’ll be exactly what you have been looking for.
Nancy
My printer is not working right now..so I C/P and e-mailed to myself..minus the pics..sounds delicious and might give it a try..thanks for sharing!!
Linda
Are you saying to pour the oat mixture into the boiling water? Or is it opposite?
Bridget
Hi Linda — you pour the boiling water over the oat mixture. Thanks for flagging that it isn’t clear. I’ll update the wording.
Glorai
I’ve been looking for a good brown bread receipe and tried this one got started but didn’t check my flour supply I was 2 cups short so I hunted through my supplies and found Bran & some Allran cereal put a cup of each in to replace the flour I was short and baked it off. It was the most moist bread I’ve tasted in guite a while. I think someone in your test kitchen should give it a mix up.
Bridget
What a great discovery! As you suggested, I’m going to play with the recipe a bit. I love the idea of adding bran.(I had a note from someone else who added flax to this recipe with great success).
Connie
You can substitute the oatmeal with 3-4 large biscuits of shredded wheat. Also very good. Great recipe thank you!
Crosby Molasses
Great tip! Thanks.
Chris
The boiling water goes into the oat mixture
Nancy
I made this last week..pour the boiling water into the oat mixture.