Sweet Molasses Bread

Sweet Molasses Bread is a soft, hearty loaf with a rich, deep flavor and a touch of natural sweetness. Made with molasses, warm spices, and simple pantry ingredients, this old-fashioned bread has a tender crumb and beautiful golden-brown crust. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, sandwiches, or served warm with butter.

The molasses adds moisture, color, and a distinctive caramel-like flavor that makes this bread both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re baking for your family or looking for a rustic homemade loaf, this Sweet Molasses Bread is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and moist texture
• Rich molasses flavor
• Easy homemade yeast bread
• Perfect for toast and sandwiches
• Wonderful with butter and jam
• Freezes beautifully
• Old-fashioned comfort baking

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Yield

• 1 loaf (12 slices)

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional Topping

• Melted butter for brushing
• Rolled oats for sprinkling

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional)
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Clean kitchen towel
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl combine:

• Warm water
• Yeast
• Brown sugar

Let sit for:

5–10 minutes

until the mixture becomes foamy.

Temperature

• Water should be 110°F (43°C)

Too hot can kill the yeast; too cool may prevent activation.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in:

• Molasses
• Melted butter

Mix until combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add:

• Salt
• Cinnamon
• 3 cups flour

Mix until a soft dough forms.

If the dough is very sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for:

8–10 minutes

until smooth and elastic.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with a clean towel.

Let rise in a warm place for:

60–75 minutes

or until doubled in size.

Ideal Rising Temperature

• 75–85°F (24–29°C)

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Punch down the dough gently.

Shape into a loaf and place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Cover loosely.

Allow to rise again for:

30–40 minutes

until the dough rises about 1 inch above the pan.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to:

350°F (175°C)

Bake for:

35–40 minutes

until golden brown.

Internal Temperature

The bread is fully baked when the center reaches:

190–200°F (88–93°C)

Step 8: Cool

Remove from the oven.

Brush with melted butter if desired.

Allow to cool in the pan for:

10 minutes

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Molasses Bread

Use Unsulphured Molasses

It provides the best flavor and sweetness.

Measure Flour Carefully

Too much flour can make the bread dense.

Don’t Rush the Rise

Proper rising develops flavor and texture.

Check Internal Temperature

A thermometer ensures perfectly baked bread.

Variations

Whole Wheat Molasses Bread

Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Raisin Molasses Bread

Add:

• ½ cup raisins

during kneading.

Spiced Molasses Bread

Add:

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves

for a holiday flavor.

Oat Molasses Bread

Mix in:

• ½ cup rolled oats

and sprinkle more on top before baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store tightly wrapped for:

3–4 days

Refrigerator

Store for:

1 week

Freezer

Freeze sliced bread for:

3 months

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Sweet Molasses Bread with:

• Butter
• Honey
• Peanut butter
• Cream cheese
• Apple butter
• Jam
• Soup and stew

It also makes excellent French toast.

Nutritional Information

Per Slice (12 slices per loaf)

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Iron: 8% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of molasses should I use?

Unsulphured molasses is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Yes, but it has a stronger, slightly bitter taste and may make the bread less sweet.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Old yeast, water that is too hot, or a cool environment can affect rising.

Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?

Absolutely. Divide into 12 rolls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Is this bread sweet?

It has a mild sweetness from the molasses but is not dessert-level sweet.