Recipe – Oatmeal Batter Bread

Posted on 2020-09-042024-08-27 by Bert Swope

Baking bread at home has always been a rewarding experience, not just for the sense of accomplishment it brings but also for the irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Among the many varieties of homemade bread, oatmeal-batter bread stands out as an easy-to-make, nutritious option that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. This article will guide you through the process of making this hearty bread, provide tips for success, and offer variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook, this guide will ensure your oatmeal-batter bread turns out perfect every time.

Why Choose Oatmeal-Batter Bread?

Oatmeal-batter bread is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make—there’s no need to knead the dough, which can be a daunting task for many. This bread is made with a simple batter that requires only mixing and a little patience for rising. The result is a dense, hearty loaf with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor from the oats, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads.

Moreover, oatmeal-batter bread is packed with nutritional benefits. Oats are a great source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. This bread is an excellent way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought loaves.

Essential Tips for Making Oatmeal-Batter Bread

Before diving into the recipe, here are some essential tips to help you achieve the best results:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Like all baking recipes, the freshness of your ingredients matters. Ensure your yeast is active, your flour is not stale, and your oats are fresh. This will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your bread.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients, and a liquid measuring cup for liquids. We’ve provided both U.S. and metric measurements in the ingredient list to help you with precise measurements.
Warm Liquids: The liquids in this recipe should be warm, not hot. A temperature of around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. Hot liquids can kill the yeast, while cold liquids will slow down the rising process.
Proper Mixing: While this is a no-knead bread, it’s still important to mix the ingredients well to ensure the dough is evenly hydrated. A sturdy wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works best for this task.
Allow Enough Rising Time: Patience is key with this bread. The batter needs to rise until it doubles in size, which can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Don’t rush this step; a proper rise ensures a good texture and crumb.
Bake to the Right Temperature: The internal temperature of the bread should reach around 200°F (93°C) to ensure it’s fully baked. If you’re unsure, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Now that you’re armed with these tips, let’s move on to the recipe!

Basic Oatmeal-Batter Bread Recipe

This recipe yields one 9×5-inch loaf. It’s perfect for slicing and using in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to toast with your favorite spreads.

Ingredients

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
Old-fashioned rolled oats	1 cup	90 g
Boiling water	1 1/4 cups	300 ml
Honey	1/4 cup	60 ml
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	28 g
Salt	1 1/2 teaspoons	7.5 g
Active dry yeast	2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)	7 g
Warm water (110°F/43°C)	1/4 cup	60 ml
All-purpose flour	2 3/4 cups	345 g
Whole wheat flour	1 cup	120 g

Instructions

Prepare the Oats:
Start by pouring the boiling water over the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soften the oats. The mixture should cool down slightly during this time.
Add Honey and Butter:
Once the oats have softened, stir in the honey, butter, and salt. Mix until the butter has completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it confirms that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Combine the Mixtures:
Add the activated yeast to the oat mixture. Stir well to combine.
Add the Flours:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed until a thick, sticky batter forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated, but do not overmix.
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This can take 1 to 2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Prepare the Loaf Pan:
While the batter is rising, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Shape the Dough:
After the first rise, stir the batter down with a spoon to deflate it. Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the pan again and let the batter rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until it just reaches the top of the pan.
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is having its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C).
Cool the Bread:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy!
Once cooled, slice your oatmeal-batter bread and enjoy it as is, or toast it and add your favorite toppings.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the great things about oatmeal-batter bread is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Nutty Oatmeal Bread: Add 1/2 cup (60 g) of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Seeded Oatmeal Bread: Mix in 2 tablespoons (20 g) of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flaxseeds for a nutty crunch and added nutrition.
Sweet Oatmeal Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup (75 g) of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for a hint of natural sweetness. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.
Savory Oatmeal Bread: For a savory twist, mix in 1/2 cup (60 g) of shredded cheese and a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. This version is perfect for savory sandwiches or as a side for soups and stews.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Bread: To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Storing and Freezing Oatmeal-Batter Bread

Oatmeal-batter bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use. Here’s how:

Storing: Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week, but keep in mind that refrigeration can make it slightly dry.
Freezing: To freeze oatmeal-batter bread, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable freezer bag or wrap it again in aluminum foil. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight. You can also slice the bread before freezing and toast individual slices directly from the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Oatmeal-batter bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:

Toast: This bread makes excellent toast. Top it with butter, jam, or honey for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
Sandwiches: Use slices of oatmeal-batter bread for sandwiches. Its hearty texture pairs well with both savory and sweet fillings. Try it with peanut butter and banana, turkey and avocado, or a classic grilled cheese.
Bread Pudding: Use stale oatmeal-batter bread to make a comforting bread pudding. The oats add a unique texture and flavor to this classic dessert.
French Toast: This bread holds up well when soaked in egg mixture, making it perfect for French toast. Serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Croutons: Cube leftover bread, toss it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy to make delicious homemade croutons for soups and salads.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple recipe like oatmeal-batter bread, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Bread Didn’t Rise: If your bread didn’t rise as expected, the yeast might not have been active. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure your liquids are at the correct temperature. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in a warm (but not hot) oven with the light on to encourage rising.
Bread is Dense: A dense loaf can result from under-rising or overmixing the batter. Ensure your batter rises adequately before baking, and mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Bread is Dry: Dry bread can occur if it’s overbaked or if too much flour was added. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully, and check your bread for doneness a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time.
Bread is Gummy: If your bread is gummy or undercooked in the center, it might not have baked long enough, or the oven temperature might have been too low. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if you suspect your oven runs hot or cold.

Conclusion

Oatmeal-batter bread is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for home cooks of all levels. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you can have a warm, homemade loaf ready to enjoy in just a few hours. Whether you prefer it plain or with add-ins, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.