Name: Traditional Oat Molasses Bread Recipe Maine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: New England
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats: For a hearty and nutty foundation.; 2 cups whole wheat flour: Add a rustic, chewy crumb.; 2 cups all-purpose flour: Balances the texture.; 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall flavor.; ¾ cup robust molasses: For a deep, caramel sweetness.; 3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully.; 1 ½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Growing up in Maine, the smell of oat molasses bread filled the air. It was more than a bread; it was a piece of our heritage. This recipe has been loved for generations.

Maine's beauty and resilience shaped my food traditions. The oat molasses bread recipe maine reflects this. It feeds both body and soul, showing Maine's true spirit.

I'll share how to make the perfect homemade oat molasses bread. You'll learn the old techniques and key ingredients. This bread is a treasure, loved by all. Whether you're from Maine or new here, join me in exploring this recipe's magic.

As I share this cherished recipe, I’m reminded of another favorite: Huckleberry Pie. Just like oat molasses bread, it’s a dish that tells a story with every bite – worth trying alongside this classic oat molasses bread recipe maine!

Table of Contents

The Rich Heritage of Maine's Oat Molasses Bread

The story of Maine's famous bread starts with the state's farming past. Oats and molasses, key to the recipe, were common in the area. This made them perfect for local bakers. Maine's farming success helped make this bread a symbol of the community's resourcefulness.

This bread is loved for its healthy ingredients and tasty flavor. The mix of oats and molasses makes a loaf that's both tasty and filling. It's easy to see why it became a mainstay in Maine families' diets.

Today, the recipe for oat molasses bread recipe maine is a treasured part of New England's food culture. The smell of freshly baked oat molasses bread brings back memories of cozy kitchens. It's a recipe that connects New Englanders across generations, offering a simple yet meaningful homemade treat.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Oat Molasses Bread Recipe Maine

I've always loved the rich flavors of Maine's oatmeal molasses bread. It's made from a mix of special ingredients. Each one is key to its unique taste. Let's explore what makes this oat molasses bread recipe maine special.

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats: For a hearty and nutty foundation.
2 cups whole wheat flour: Add a rustic, chewy crumb.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Balances the texture.
1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

¾ cup robust molasses: For a deep, caramel sweetness.
3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully.
1 ½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Oat Molasses Bread Recipe Maine

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including proofing)
Yield: 1 loaf
Method: Baking
Cuisine: New England

Making homemade oat molasses bread is a beloved tradition in Maine. This recipe will help you make this classic bread in your kitchen. Let's explore the secrets to baking the perfect oat molasses bread recipe maine.

Prepare the starter: Combine warm water (around 110°F), yeast, and 1 teaspoon of honey in a small bowl. Let it rest for 10 minutes until frothy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Add the molasses and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually pour this into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First proof: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape and second proof: Punch the dough down, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let it proof for another 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 200
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Notes

For a deeper flavor, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Adding seeds or dried fruit can give the bread extra texture and sweetness.
This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups or spreads like homemade jam.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

As a passionate baker, I've learned a few key tips for making the best oat molasses bread. Using high-quality, fresh oats is essential for a wholesome, nutty taste. Also, proofing the dough for the right time is crucial for a soft, pillowy texture.

Adjusting the amount of molasses in the recipe is another important tip. While traditional Maine oat molasses bread uses a lot of molasses, tweaking the amount can improve the flavor. This way, I get a loaf that's full of old-fashioned oat and molasses flavors.

Finally, the baking temperature and time are key for the perfect crust. By watching the oven closely and making adjustments, I get a golden-brown crust. These tips have helped me make a Maine oat molasses bread that's full of wholesome flavors, loved in New England for years.

This oat molasses bread recipe maine isn’t just a dish – it’s a journey into Maine’s culinary heritage. Baking fills your home with the comforting scent of tradition while offering a delicious, wholesome treat. For more hearty and wholesome recipes, visit Tales of a Kitchen.

FAQs

Q: What makes Maine's oat molasses bread so special?

A: Maine's oat molasses bread is a favorite in the region. It shows the state's rich farming history. The mix of oats and molasses makes a loaf that's both tasty and healthy, a key part of New England's food scene.

Q: What are the key ingredients in traditional Maine oat molasses bread?

A: The bread's main ingredients are high-quality oats, molasses, flour, yeast, water, and a bit of salt. These simple, natural ingredients create the bread's unique taste and texture.

Q: How do I create the perfect oat molasses bread starter?

A: Starting the starter is key to making great oat molasses bread. First, I proof the yeast in warm water. Then, I mix in some flour, oats, and molasses to make a thick, bubbly starter. This starter is the base of the dough.

Q: What are the best mixing and kneading techniques for this bread?

A: Good mixing and kneading are crucial for the right texture. I use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix the ingredients well. Then, I knead the dough by hand for a few minutes to make it elastic.

Q: How do I ensure the perfect proofing and baking of oat molasses bread?

A: Proofing the dough in a warm, still place is important. It lets the yeast make the dough light and airy. To bake, I preheat the oven to 375°F. I bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes, until it's golden and sounds hollow.

Q: What tips can you share for getting the best flavor and texture in oat molasses bread?

A: For the best bread, use fresh, high-quality oats and dark molasses. Slow proofing at a cooler temperature adds to the flavor. Feel free to add seeds or dried fruit for a personal touch on this New England favorite.