Are you ready to indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? Dive into the delightful world of Mennonite Honey Oat Bread, a wholesome treat that combines the nutty flavor of oats with the natural sweetness of honey. This recipe is not just easy to follow, but it also yields a deliciously soft loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy evening snack. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this bread will impress your family and friends. Don't miss out on the chance to create something truly special—let's get baking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mennonite
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup warm water, 1 package active dry yeast, 2 cups whole wheat flour, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats and warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to let the oats soften and absorb some moisture.
- While the oats are soaking, in a separate small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- After the oats have soaked, add the melted butter and honey to the oat mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add it to the oat mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add the wet ingredients (oat mixture) to the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and 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, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Mennonite Honey Oat Bread fresh or toasted, with butter or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use high-quality whole wheat flour and pure honey to enhance the flavor of your bread. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference!
- Temperature Check: Ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Ideally, it should be around 110°F (43°C) to encourage the yeast to bloom effectively.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten for a better texture.
- Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning your oven on for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready! If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Storage Tips: Keep your bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. It can also be frozen for up to three months—just slice it beforehand for easy access later!
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Mennonite Honey Oat Bread fresh out of the oven, or toast slices for a delicious breakfast topped with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey for that extra touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
