Super simple to make and bake, this honey oat bread will be a new favorite! Make it plain or spice it up with a cinnamon raisin version, whichever you prefer!
Combine butter, honey, whole wheat flour, salt, and oatmeal in a stand mixer.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ cup honey, ¾ cup whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
Add boiling water. Stir well and let sit until lukewarm.
2 ½ cups water
Once the mixture is lukewarm, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and instant yeast. Mix until incorporated and continue to add flour 1 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Once the flour is added, the dough will be slightly tacky but hold its shape while it's kneaded. For the cinnamon raisin variety: Flatten the dough into a 10 × 12-inch rectangle and spread with raisins. Knead raisins into the dough to evenly distribute. Flatten the dough again to a 10 × 12-inch rectangle and brush with softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll up and cinch seams.
¾ cup raisins (regular or golden), 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or light brown sugar), 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Grease a bowl and place dough inside to rise. It will take approximately an hour.
After the dough has risen, punch down and separate into two sections. Knead on a lightly floured surface into a smooth ball and press lightly into a greased 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Set loaves in a warm place to rise until doubled in height, approximately 55-90 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 40-55 minutes until tops are golden brown. To make sure the centers are fully baked, the temperature should register 190°F.
Rub butter over the top of the loaves and let cool. If freezing, let the bread cool completely so ice does not form around the loaf.