Name: Honey Oat Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Homemade
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup warm water; 1/4 cup raw natural honey; 2 tablespoons honey (for topping); 2 tablespoons rolled oats (for topping)

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This honey oat bread is a simple and wholesome recipe, perfect for anyone who loves homemade baking. It’s slightly sweet from natural honey and has a soft, tender texture with a golden crust. Whether I’m enjoying it for breakfast, as a sandwich base, or simply toasted with butter, this bread never disappoints.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and forgiving this recipe is. It uses pantry staples and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—though a stand mixer helps. The natural sweetness from the honey, combined with the hearty oats, makes each slice comforting and satisfying. Plus, it smells amazing while baking.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Active dry yeast
Fine sea salt
Butter
Whole milk
Warm water
Raw natural honey
For the top: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons oats

Directions

I start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
In a small saucepan, I gently heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted—being careful not to boil it. Then I stir in the honey and warm water.
I pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients and mix. Using a dough hook on the stand mixer, I knead for 6–8 minutes. If I’m kneading by hand, I do so until the dough is smooth and elastic.
I cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Once risen, I shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan.
I cover it again and let it rise until it reaches the top edge of the pan.
Meanwhile, I preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
I brush the top of the loaf with honey and sprinkle with oats.
I bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, until it’s golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
I cool it on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one standard loaf, which gives about 10 to 12 slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Baking time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total time: around 2.5 hours

Variations

Sometimes I like to mix things up by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough. For extra texture and nutrition, I replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of seeds also brings in a lovely twist.

Storage/reheating

I store the bread in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, I slice and freeze it. When I’m ready to eat, I toast the frozen slices or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the bread may be denser. I usually replace half the flour with whole wheat to keep a good texture.

Can I use plant-based milk instead of whole milk?

Absolutely. I’ve tried almond, soy, and oat milk—they all work well and offer a subtle flavor change.

Do I need to use raw honey?

Raw honey adds more depth of flavor, but regular honey works just fine if that’s what I have on hand.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, I can knead it by hand. It takes a bit more effort, but the results are just as tasty.

Can I add seeds or nuts?

Definitely. I love adding sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped walnuts—up to ½ cup works well without affecting the dough structure.

Conclusion

This honey oat bread is one of my go-to recipes for its flavor, texture, and ease. It’s nourishing, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. Whether I eat it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, it always hits the spot. I find myself coming back to it time and again for good reason.

Honey Oat Bread

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 loaf (10 to 12 slices)
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Homemade
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This oat and honey bread is soft with a golden crust, lightly sweetened with natural honey. Ideal for breakfasts or snacks, it's a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought breads.

Instructions

In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, oats, yeast, and salt.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium-low until the butter melts. Add the honey and warm water, then mix well.
Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Cover again and let rise until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush the top of the bread with 2 tablespoon honey and sprinkle with 2 tablespoon oats.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.