Amazing Brown Molasses Bread Recipe

Hey there, I’m Clara! As busy families, women, and moms, we know life gets hectic. But that doesn’t mean we have to compromise on delicious, nourishing meals. I’m so excited to share my Brown Molasses Bread recipe, a family favorite. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a comforting slice with a smear of butter. This recipe takes approximately 3 hours to prepare, including rising time, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. So, let’s dive into making this hearty, flavorful loaf together!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Molasses Bread

• Simple Cleanup: This recipe uses basic equipment and comes together easily.
• Everyday Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
• Comforting Flavor: The molasses adds a unique depth of flavor that’s perfect for any meal.
• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! This comforting loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to hearty and healthy quinoa bowls or a simple side to any meal. It’s also perfect for creating delicious and satisfying lunches or for a quick, wholesome breakfast.

What is Brown Molasses Bread?

Brown bread, often associated with New England and Irish traditions, carries a rich history of resourcefulness. Originally, it was made from whole wheat or rye flour, and sometimes included cornmeal. Molasses bread is a variation on this theme; it adds a touch of sweetness and a deep, rich color to the loaf.

Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, was historically an affordable sweetener. It became a staple in many households. The combination of simple ingredients and the unique flavor of molasses makes this bread a comforting and nostalgic treat. I love how it connects us to generations past!

Understanding the Role of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in this Brown Molasses Bread recipe plays a vital role, contributing to the overall flavor, texture, and appearance of the final product. Let’s break it down:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the basic structure of the bread, giving it a light and airy texture.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and denser texture. Also, it contributes to the bread’s nutritional value.
• Molasses: This is the star! It gives the bread its distinctive dark color, moistness, and a unique, slightly bitter-sweet flavor. It’s also known for its nutritional value, containing various essential minerals and vitamins. For example, it is rich in potassium, calcium, and iron.
• Maple Syrup: Enhances the sweetness, and complements the molasses flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Just a touch of cocoa powder deepens the color and adds a subtle chocolatey note.
• Instant Yeast: A must for leavening, helping the dough rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Oil: Adds moisture to the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
• Water: Hydrates the flour and activates the yeast.
• Cornmeal: Gives a slightly crunchy texture to the bottom and top of the bread.

Ingredients for Brown Molasses Bread

• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• cornmeal for dusting and topping

How to Make Brown Molasses Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: all-purpose and whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder and yeast. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so the yeast can work its magic.
2. Add wet ingredients: lukewarm water, oil, maple syrup and molasses. Mix until dough is formed. The lukewarm water activates the yeast, while the other wet ingredients add moisture and flavor.
3. After dough is formed, knead for 8 to 10 minutes if using a stand mixer, 12 to 15 minutes if doing by hand. When ready, dough will feel tacky, smooth. If using a stand mixer, dough should stick to the bottom of the bowl, but not at your fingers. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
4. Cover dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise until it doubles. It will take about 1 hour and a half. Remember to leave it in a warm spot. This first rise allows the yeast to ferment, creating air pockets that give the bread a light, airy texture.
5. After the first rise, deflate dough. Flour the surface you’ll be working on. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Deflating the dough redistributes the yeast and eliminates large air pockets, resulting in a more even texture.
6. Using your hands or a rolling pin, open each piece in a rectangle. Roll into a cylinder and pinch to close. Shaping the dough into rolls gives them their characteristic form, perfect for slicing and enjoying.
7. Place rolls in a lined baking sheet, lightly coating the bottom with cornmeal (if using). Leave some space between them as they will get bigger. The cornmeal prevents the rolls from sticking and adds a nice textural contrast.
8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 40 minutes more or until rolls almost double, and look puffy and light. This second rise allows the rolls to proof and develop their final shape and texture.
9. Just before baking, you can top the rolls lightly with cornmeal for more texture. The cornmeal adds a delightful crunch to the crust.
10. Baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover loaves and bake them for 30 to 35 minutes. Baking at the right temperature ensures the bread cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
11. Let loaves cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Store rolls in an airtight container or sealed bag after cooled. Cooling allows the bread to set properly, preventing a gummy texture, and keeps it fresh. This bread is fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for a hearty morning meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brown Molasses Bread

• Warmth is Key: Make sure your rising spot is warm, but not too hot. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny windowsill can work wonders.
• Sticky Dough: Don’t be afraid of a slightly sticky dough! It’s what gives the bread its soft texture. Resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute the maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Ensure your oil is plant-based!
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes When Making Brown Molasses Bread (and How to Fix Them!)

• Dough is too sticky: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
• Bread is too dry: Try adding a tablespoon of oil to the dough next time.
• Bread is not rising: Make sure your yeast isn’t expired and that your water is lukewarm, not hot.
• Bread is too dense: Don’t skip the kneading time. Also, make sure you are not adding too much flour.

Brown Molasses Bread Variations

How to Store Brown Molasses Bread

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or sealed bag for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: Slice the bread and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Clara

Amazing Brown Molasses Bread Recipe

I’m so excited to share my Brown Molasses Bread recipe, a family favorite. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a comforting slice with a smear of butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 small loaves

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Calories: 728

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients for Brown Molasses Bread

• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• cornmeal for dusting and topping

Method

 

1. Mix dry ingredients: all-purpose and whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder and yeast. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so the yeast can work its magic.
2. Add wet ingredients: lukewarm water, oil, maple syrup and molasses. Mix until dough is formed. The lukewarm water activates the yeast, while the other wet ingredients add moisture and flavor.
3. After dough is formed, knead for 8 to 10 minutes if using a stand mixer, 12 to 15 minutes if doing by hand. When ready, dough will feel tacky, smooth. If using a stand mixer, dough should stick to the bottom of the bowl, but not at your fingers.
4. Cover dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise until it doubles. It will take about 1 hour and a half. Remember to leave it in a warm spot.
5. After the first rise, deflate dough. Flour the surface you’ll be working on. Divide dough into 4 pieces.
6. Using your hands or a rolling pin, open each piece in a rectangle. Roll into a cylinder and pinch to close.
7. Place rolls in a lined baking sheet, lightly coating the bottom with cornmeal (if using). Leave some space between them as they will get bigger.
8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 40 minutes more or until rolls almost double, and look puffy and light.
9. Just before baking, you can top the rolls lightly with cornmeal for more texture.
10. Baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover loaves and bake them for 30 to 35 minutes.
11. Let loaves cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Store rolls in an airtight container or sealed bag after cooled.

Notes

Warmth is Key: Make sure your rising spot is warm, but not too hot. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny windowsill can work wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Brown Molasses Bread

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 210

Servings: 12

Conclusion

And there you have it! My Brown Molasses Bread recipe is a comforting, flavorful treat that’s perfect for busy families. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and fills your home with the most amazing aroma. Did you try this recipe? Share your photos and tips in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations!