Hearty Oatmeal Brown Sugar Bread
This delicious Hearty Oatmeal Brown Sugar Bread is a cherished recipe that has stood the test of time, originating from King Arthur and lovingly passed down through generations even before the advent of bread machines. The combination of rolled and steel-cut oats imparts a wonderful texture, while the brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that's perfect for breakfast or as a comforting snack. Whether you're enjoying it toasted with butter or slathered with your favorite jam, this wholesome loaf boasts a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all on your own, this recipe can be made by hand, with a mixer, or in a bread machine for your convenience. Each bite is a warm reminder of the simple pleasures of homemade bread.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boiling Water
1 3/4 cups (boiling)
Rolled Oats
1 cup (uncooked)
Steel Cut Oats
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (lightly packed)
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 3/4 cups
Baker's Special Dry Milk or Nonfat Dry Milk Powder
1/4 cup
Salt
1 3/4 teaspoons
Instant Yeast
2 teaspoons
Milled Flax Seeds or Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup or 2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of boiling water with the rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and lightly packed brown sugar. Stir to combine and let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
2
Once cooled, add the remaining ingredients: 2 3/4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of dry milk, 1 3/4 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1/4 cup of milled flax seeds or vegetable oil. Mix until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
3
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased surface. Knead by hand for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 8 minutes.
4
Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl or dough-rising bucket. Cover and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until puffy but not necessarily doubled in size.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly greased work surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch bread pan.
6
Cover the pan and let the loaf rise for about 1 hour, or until it just crowns over the edge of the pan.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 200°F (93°C). If it browns too quickly, lightly tent with aluminum foil after 20 minutes.
8
Remove the bread from the oven and turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Oatmeal Brown Sugar Bread?
It is a wholesome loaf made with a combination of rolled and steel-cut oats and brown sugar, known for its hearty texture and hint of sweetness.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from King Arthur and has been passed down through generations.
What types of oats are used in this bread?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of steel-cut oats.
How do the oats affect the texture of the bread?
The combination of rolled and steel-cut oats imparts a wonderful, hearty texture to the loaf.
Is this bread sweet?
Yes, the addition of brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that is perfect for breakfast.
How should I serve this bread?
It is delicious toasted with butter or slathered with your favorite jam.
Can I make this recipe by hand?
Yes, this recipe can be made by hand, with a mixer, or in a bread machine.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
The first step is to combine 1 3/4 cups of boiling water with the oats and brown sugar and let it cool to lukewarm.
Why must the oat mixture cool before adding other ingredients?
The mixture must cool to lukewarm to ensure it does not kill the yeast when added.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
Is dry milk required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Baker's Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk powder.
How much salt is needed for the bread?
You will need 1 3/4 teaspoons of salt.
What kind of yeast should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
Can I substitute the milled flax seeds?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil instead of 1/4 cup of milled flax seeds.
How long should I knead the dough by hand?
Knead by hand for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How long should I knead using a mixer?
Use a mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 8 minutes.
How long is the first rise?
The dough should rise for about 1 hour or until it is puffy.
Does the dough need to double in size during the first rise?
Not necessarily; it should be puffy but does not have to double in size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size bread pan is recommended?
A greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch bread pan is recommended.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise takes about 1 hour.
How do I know when the second rise is finished?
The rise is complete when the loaf just crowns over the edge of the pan.
What is the baking time for this bread?
Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes.
What is the ideal internal temperature for the baked bread?
The bread is done when the internal temperature reaches about 200°F (93°C).
What should I do if the bread is browning too quickly?
If it browns too quickly, lightly tent the loaf with aluminum foil after 20 minutes of baking.
How should the bread be cooled?
Turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Is this recipe suitable for bread machines?
Yes, the recipe notes it can be made in a bread machine for your convenience.
What makes this bread 'hearty'?
The use of both rolled and steel-cut oats along with optional milled flax seeds gives it a dense, satisfying texture.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
The recipe specifically calls for brown sugar for its unique flavor and sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients used in this Hearty Oatmeal Brown Sugar Bread.