Brown Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutty, slightly sweet flavor from whole grains and molasses
• More nutritious than white bread thanks to whole wheat flour
• Great for toast, sandwiches, or as a dinner side
• Easy to make with basic ingredients
• No special equipment needed
• Stores and freezes well
• Delicious warm from the oven with butter or jam
• Can be made vegan
• Perfect balance of hearty and soft
• Versatile recipe with lots of room for add-ins and variations

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Whole wheat flour
• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Molasses
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Salt
• Unsalted butter or oil
• Rolled oats (optional, for topping or inside)
• Optional: seeds like flax, sunflower, or sesame

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar or molasses. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and optional seeds.
3. Stir in molasses, brown sugar (if using), softened butter or oil, and the activated yeast mixture.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the top with milk or water and sprinkle with oats or seeds.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf (10–12 slices).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 3 hours

Variations

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter or oil and water or non-dairy milk.
• Seeded Brown Bread: Add flax, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds to the dough.
• Oatmeal Brown Bread: Stir rolled oats into the dough for texture.
• Raisin or Cranberry Bread: Add dried fruit for a touch of sweetness.
• Honey Brown Bread: Substitute honey for molasses for a lighter flavor.
• Molasses-Free: Use maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer a milder taste.
• Rye Blend: Substitute part of the whole wheat flour with rye for a deeper flavor.
• Herbed Bread: Add dried rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the dough into smaller pans for individual loaves.
• No-Knead Version: Let the dough rise slowly overnight and skip kneading for a rustic loaf.

Storage/Reheating

Store brown bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer shelf life.
Freeze the loaf or individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
To reheat, toast slices or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes brown bread different from white bread?

Brown bread uses whole wheat flour, giving it a richer flavor, darker color, and more fiber than white bread.

Can I use only whole wheat flour?

You can, but the loaf may be denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose gives better texture.

Why do we add molasses to brown bread?

Molasses gives brown bread its deep color and mildly sweet, earthy flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Whole wheat bread needs gluten for structure, but you can try a gluten-free mix designed for yeasted breads.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that the water isn’t too hot or cold. Proper rising temperature is around 75–80°F (24–27°C).

Can I make this in a bread machine?

Yes, use the dough setting for mixing and rising, then bake in your oven for best results.

How do I know when the bread is done?

It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temp should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I shape this dough into rolls?

Yes! Divide into portions and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes for soft brown rolls.

What’s the best way to slice brown bread?

Let it cool completely, then use a serrated knife for clean, even slices.

Is brown bread sweet?

It has a mild sweetness from molasses or sugar but is not overly sweet—great for savory or sweet pairings.

Conclusion

Brown bread is a wholesome, flavorful loaf that’s easy to make and perfect for everyday eating. With its hearty crumb, subtle sweetness, and endless customization options, this bread is a staple you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether served warm with butter, layered into a sandwich, or turned into toast, it’s a nourishing and satisfying choice for any meal.

Brown Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Brown bread is a hearty, wholesome loaf made with whole wheat flour and molasses, delivering a rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or enjoying warm with butter, it’s nutritious, satisfying, and simple to make at home.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or oil
• ¼ cup rolled oats (optional, for topping or dough)
• Optional: 2 tbsp flax, sunflower, or sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar or molasses. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and optional seeds or oats.
3. Stir in molasses, brown sugar (if using), butter or oil, and the activated yeast mixture.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough and shape into a loaf. Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush top with water or milk and sprinkle with oats or seeds, if desired.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best texture.
• Molasses provides flavor and color—substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
• Add-ins like oats, seeds, or dried fruit can enhance nutrition and flavor.
• Freeze slices for quick, wholesome toast anytime.
• Let bread cool completely before slicing for best results.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg