Description
A soft, slightly sweet dark brown bread with rich molasses flavor and a hint of honey, just like the famous restaurant favorite. This homemade version is tender, fluffy, and perfect served warm with butter or alongside soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (for topping)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in honey, molasses, and melted butter until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, bread flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if needed.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide dough into two equal portions and shape into small oval loaves.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle oats on top, and gently press them into the dough.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until tops are firm and bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten for a softer texture and better structure.
- Increase honey by 1 tablespoon for a sweeter loaf.
- Replace 1/2 cup bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Brush tops with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze sliced bread for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes or toast thawed slices lightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
