Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread Recipe
There is something truly heartwarming about waking up to the smell of homemade bread, especially when it’s packed with wholesome oats, a sweet kiss of honey, and just the right sprinkle of cinnamon. This Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread brings all those cozy flavors together in one loaf that is soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s a bread that feels like a warm hug and is perfect for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon snack, or simply anytime you crave something deliciously nourishing. Let me take you through every step so you can fill your kitchen with this lovely bread soon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each has a special role in crafting the perfect Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread. From the creamy oats that add texture, to the honey and cinnamon that infuse sweetness and spice, every element is essential to create that tender crumb and delightful flavor.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): These soften with warm milk and give the bread a hearty texture and subtle nuttiness.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Helps soak the oats and creates a tender dough by adding moisture and richness.
- Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic that makes your bread rise and become airy and light.
- Warm water (1/4 cup): Activates the yeast gently to get the rising process started.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and a beautiful golden color, plus helps keep the bread moist.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Enriches the dough, producing a soft texture and subtle buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The bread’s structure backbone, balancing the moist ingredients and providing elasticity.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, inviting spice note that pairs perfectly with honey.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread
Step 1: Soften the Oats
Begin by combining the rolled oats with warm milk in a small bowl. This soaking step is crucial because it softens the oats, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the bread, lending a tender texture without overpowering each bite.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In another bowl, mix the warm water with the dry yeast and a tablespoon of honey. Allow it to sit until it becomes bubbly and active. This step wakes up the yeast, setting your bread up for a perfect rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the softened oats, melted butter, and the remaining honey to the yeast mixture. Stir these together so the honey infuses the dough with warmth and sweetness, while the butter enriches its crumb.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt into your wet mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. This dough may look rustic at first, but that’s just the beginning!
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle on a little more flour gradually. Kneading builds the gluten structure for that perfect bread texture.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and is when your bread develops its airy interior.
Step 7: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess gas. Shape it into a log and place it into a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes to get that lovely final puff before baking.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The cinnamon and honey fragrance filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling prevents the bread from becoming soggy and ensures every slice is just right for enjoying.
How to Serve Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or cream cheese enhances each slice beautifully. You can also drizzle a little extra honey on warm slices to amplify that lovely sweetness and make every bite melt in your mouth.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt bowl. It also serves as a fantastic base for savory toppings like avocado or a mild cheese, balancing sweet and savory effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread into French toast for a breakfast treat or use it to make a grilled cheese with apple slices and sharp cheddar for a surprising, delicious twist. This bread’s subtle flavors make it versatile for so many creative dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its softness for up to three days.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it beforehand, place pieces in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread anytime.
Reheating
To refresh frozen slices, toast them lightly or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness, making each bite just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, rolled oats provide a better texture as they soften nicely without turning mushy, maintaining the hearty bite that defines Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread.
Is it possible to make the bread without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for its rise and texture, so skipping it will change the bread’s nature significantly. You might want to explore quick bread recipes if you need a yeast-free option.
How can I make the bread more moist?
Adding a small extra spoonful of honey or substituting part of the milk with yogurt can increase moisture, making your bread even softer and more delectable.
What is the best way to slice this bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and cut gently in a sawing motion after the bread has completely cooled to avoid squishing the soft crumb.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, though the bread may be slightly denser.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread is such a rewarding experience, both for the wonderful aromas and the comforting taste it delivers. It’s a recipe that feels like a little daily celebration, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a warm drink. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!
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Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread is a soft, slightly sweet, and warmly spiced loaf perfect for breakfast or snacks. Infused with cinnamon and naturally sweetened with honey, this bread combines hearty rolled oats with a tender crumb for a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Oat Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
Yeast Mixture
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for yeast activation)
Dough
- 1/4 cup honey (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (60 ml)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soften Oats: In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats with warm milk and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften, creating a creamy oat mixture essential for the dough’s texture.
- Activate Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water, add 1 tablespoon honey, and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the softened oats, melted butter, and 1/4 cup honey into the yeast mixture, stirring until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms that will be ready for kneading.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky to handle.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a log, place it in a greased loaf pan, cover, and allow it to rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
- Bake Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets and slices cleanly.
Notes
- Make sure the milk and water are warm but not hot, around 100-110°F (38-43°C), to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but expect a denser loaf.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- If dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour gradually to prevent over-drying which can make the bread tough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: honey cinnamon oatmeal bread, homemade bread, sweet bread recipe, cinnamon bread, oatmeal bread, easy bread recipe
