This molasses bread is a delightful, slightly sweet loaf made effortlessly in a bread machine. The rich flavor of molasses combined with whole wheat flour creates a nutritious and satisfying bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread with ease.
Overview of Molasses Bread
Molasses bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of molasses with wholesome ingredients. The result is a loaf that boasts a golden-brown crust and a soft, inviting interior.
This bread not only serves as a delicious accompaniment to meals but also stands out on its own, perfect for toasting or making sandwiches. The deep, dark color from the molasses adds visual appeal, making it a lovely addition to any table setting.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to please anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients for Success
Creating this molasses bread requires a few simple ingredients that come together to form a delightful loaf.
The key components include warm water, molasses, vegetable oil, salt, whole wheat flour, bread flour, and active dry yeast. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Whole wheat flour contributes to the bread’s nutritional value, while the molasses adds a hint of sweetness and a rich color that makes the bread visually appealing.
Preparation Made Easy
One of the standout features of this molasses bread is its ease of preparation.
Using a bread machine simplifies the process significantly. Begin by pouring warm water into the machine, followed by the molasses, vegetable oil, and salt.
Next, add the flours, ensuring they cover the liquid completely, and create a small well for the yeast. Once everything is set, simply select the whole wheat setting and let the machine do the work.
Perfecting the Baking Process
The baking process is where the magic happens.
As the bread bakes, the aroma of molasses fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
After approximately two and a half hours, the bread will be ready. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing, ensuring each piece maintains its soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
Once the bread has cooled and been sliced, it’s time to enjoy it.
Serve it with a small dish of butter and a jar of molasses for spreading. This combination enhances the bread’s natural sweetness and makes for a comforting snack or breakfast option.
Whether paired with a hearty soup or enjoyed on its own, this molasses bread is versatile and satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits
This molasses bread not only tastes great but also offers several nutritional benefits.
With each slice containing around 120 calories, it provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.
The use of whole wheat flour adds fiber, making it a healthier choice compared to many other bread options. Enjoying this bread can be a delightful way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet.
Easy Bread Machine Molasses Bread Recipe
This molasses bread features a soft texture and a hint of sweetness, making it a great addition to any meal. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish and yields one 1.5-pound loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add the molasses, vegetable oil, and salt.
- Add Flours: Carefully add the whole wheat flour and bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients, ensuring they cover the liquid completely.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast.
- Select Settings: Close the lid and select the whole wheat setting on your bread machine. Choose the desired crust color and start the machine.
- Cool and Slice: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and enjoy.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g