Oatmeal Molasses Bread

Name: Oatmeal Molasses Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 1/4 cups boiling water; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 tbsp melted butter; 3 1/2 cups bread flour; 1 1/2 tsp salt

16 servings30 min prep35 min cookMedium

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Oatmeal Molasses Bread

Story updated September 18, 2026

Oatmeal molasses bread, sometimes called "anadama bread" in New England lore, carries a regional legend of a fisherman cursing his wife—"Anna, damn her"—over a monotonous cornmeal-and-molasses meal, a charming but unverifiable story behind a real New England baking tradition.

Ingredients

Scale:· 16 servings

1 cup rolled oats
1 1/4 cups boiling water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup molasses
2 tbsp melted butter
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1Pour boiling water over oats and let cool to warm.
2Stir in yeast and molasses; let sit until foamy.
3Whisk in melted butter.
4Stir in flour and salt, then knead 8-10 minutes until smooth.
5Let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
6Shape into a loaf, let rise 45 minutes.
7Bake at 375°F for 32-35 minutes, until deep golden.

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