Maple Oatmeal Bread combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich, comforting sweetness of maple syrup. This hearty bread is perfect for breakfast, giving a nutritious start to your day with its fiber-rich oats and the natural sweetness of maple. The texture is moist and slightly dense, ideal for slicing thick and toasting to golden perfection. Each bite of this bread offers a subtle, earthy flavor from the oats, enhanced by the deep, caramel-like notes of maple syrup. Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or as a sandwich with a hint of sweetness, Maple Oatmeal Bread is a delightful treat that brings a cozy, homemade touch to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, approximately
Directions:
- Soak the Oats:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water. Let stand until the mixture cools to lukewarm, about 20 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup, butter, and salt.
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes, to ensure the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough:
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the oat mixture. Gradually mix in enough flour to make a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Maple Oatmeal Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture, or toast it for a warm, comforting snack.
