Cozy, comforting, fluffy brown bread. Around here it seems its best friend is a big batch of baked beans in molasses. And I mean, it’s a no brainer as to why that is. They’re just so good on a cold day; around this time of year when it’s damp and spring is fighting to make its way here.
It takes a couple of hours, due to rising times, but other than that it’s a very easy to follow recipe. If you’ve made regular white bread before you’ll be laughing!
Make sure you follow the instructions on the yeast packets, that’s key. Also be sure the space to let the dough rise in is warm. I usually turn my oven on and let it rise on top of it. My kitchen is very drafty by times, and I’ve ran into problems making bread because of that.
If you have questions feel free to drop them below in the comments section.
If you have made this and would like to share your creations feel free to send a pic or tag on Instagram @bairdsbaking . Find more recipes and short videos over there as well!
Easy Brown Bread
- Prep time: 2 hours
- Bake time: 30 minutes
- Yields: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 6-7 cups flour
- 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter/margarine
- 2 1/4 cups very warm water (hot but not boiling)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Butter for brushing
Directions
- Activate yeast according to packaging instructions
- Grease two loaf pans with oil (unless nonstick) & set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- In a large bowl (if using stand mixer attach dough hook) combine yeast, 3 1/2 cups of flour, brown sugar, salt and butter. Mix until well combined.
- Add in warm water and molasses.
- Gradually add in remaining flour, about a cup at a time, until dough forms.
- Knead dough on lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and springs back. (If using stand mixer this takes about 5 minutes)
- Place dough in oiled bowl and cover with tea towel. Let rise for 1 hour in warm area.
- Once the hour is up, dough should be doubled in size. Punch down and divide into two.
- Divide each half again into two balls.
- Place two balls in each pan, brush with melted butter and cover with tea towel and let rise again for 40 minutes.
- Pop into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until dark brown and sounds hollow when tapped with knife.
- Brush with butter if desired. Let cool before slicing.
lifeiswhatyoubakeit.ca 