Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Name: Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 250 g Whole Wheat Flour (2 cups); 50 g Dark Brown Sugar (1/4 cup); 1/2 Tbsp Salt; 7 g Instant Yeast (1 package); 1 egg; 2 fl oz Brown Butter (melted (1/4 cup)); 1 tbsp Molasses; 18 fl oz Whole Milk (warmed to about 115°F (2.25 cups)); 375 g Bread Flour (3 cups); 125 g Whole Wheat Flour (1 cup)

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This Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread is soft, rich, and full of flavor. The nutty aroma of brown butter blends perfectly with the warm sweetness of molasses and brown sugar, creating a tender loaf with a golden crust and hearty whole wheat texture. I used new loaf pans when making this recipe and thought they were smaller than they were, so my friend called these “breakfast loaves”. It’s kind of perfect, grab a slice or two for a quick breakfast on the go. It’s so good toasted with a little butter or jam!

About This Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread Recipe

This bread strikes the perfect balance between rustic and indulgent. The brown butter adds a toasty, nutty depth, while the molasses brings a subtle sweetness and rich color. A blend of whole wheat and bread flour gives the loaves both structure and softness.

It’s an easy yeast bread to make at home with no fussy techniques, just classic ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re baking for the week ahead or sharing a loaf with friends, this recipe delivers every time. We like to gift loaves or freeze them for later!

Ingredients for Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Whole wheat flour
Dark brown sugar
Salt
Instant yeast
Egg
Brown butter (melted)
Molasses
Warm whole milk
Bread flour

How to Make Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

This recipe uses a stand mixer to do most of the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort.

Step 1. Make the Base Mixture

In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the first portion of whole wheat flour with brown sugar, salt, and yeast.

Step 2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Using the paddle attachment, mix in the egg, brown butter, molasses, and warm milk on low speed until combined. Turn the speed up to medium and beat for about 3 minutes.

Step 3. Add Remaining Flour and Knead

Switch to the dough hook, then gradually add the remaining flours on speed 2 until a soft dough forms. Continue kneading on speed 2 for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 4. First Rise

Shape the dough into a tight ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour.

Step 5. Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Divide into 4 equal pieces for “breakfast loaves” (aka small loaves that are perfect for breakfast or snacking) or 2 equal pieces for sandwich bread sized loaves. Shape into loaves and place in parchment-lined pans.

Step 6. Second Rise

Cover and let the dough rise again until doubled, about another hour.

Step 7. Bake

Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 200°F.

Step 8. Cool and Slice

Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread FAQ

Can I make this bread by hand instead of with a mixer?
Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand, it will just take a little more time and effort. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10–12 minutes.

What’s the best way to brown butter?
Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty. Be careful, it can go from browned to burnt quickly!

Can I use all bread flour instead of part whole wheat?
You can, but you’ll lose some of the hearty flavor and texture. Using both gives you the perfect balance of softness and substance.

Storing Leftover Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Toast or warm slices before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Cool Idea

Brush the tops of the loaves with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for a glossy finish and extra flavor.

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Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Print Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Proof Time 2

Servings: 4 snacking loaves

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

250 g Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups
50 g Dark Brown Sugar 1/4 cup
1/2 Tbsp Salt
7 g Instant Yeast 1 package
1 egg
2 fl oz Brown Butter melted (1/4 cup)
1 tbsp Molasses
18 fl oz Whole Milk warmed to about 115°F (2.25 cups)
375 g Bread Flour 3 cups
125 g Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup

Method

In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the first quantity of Whole Wheat Flour with the brown sugar, salt, and yeast.
Using the paddle attachment and turning the mixer onto the lowest speed, mix in the egg, brown butter, molasses, and milk. Turn the speed up to medium and beat for 3 minutes.
Switch to the hook attachment, then with the mixer on speed 2 add the remaining flours a little at a time until it's all incorporated.
Mix on speed 2 for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a floured work surface and shape the dough into a tight ball.
Coat your mixing bowl with oil and place the dough ball inside, cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Punch down the dough and turn out onto a floured work surface. Cover and rest for 5 minutes, then divide into 4 equal pieces (or 2 equal pieces if you want to make sandwich bread sized loaves!)
Work each piece into a loaf shape, then place in parchment lines loaf pans. Cover and let proof until doubled in size (about another hour).
Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes, or until the bread temps to 200°F.
Once finished, remove the loaves from the pans and set on a rack to cool completely before cutting. Cut into slices as desired and enjoy!

Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

About This Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread Recipe

Ingredients for Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

How to Make Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Step 1. Make the Base Mixture

Step 2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Step 3. Add Remaining Flour and Knead

Step 4. First Rise

Step 5. Shape the Loaves

Step 6. Second Rise

Step 7. Bake

Step 8. Cool and Slice

Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread FAQ

Storing Leftover Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Cool Idea

Hey You!

Stay in the Loop

Brown Butter Molasses Wheat Bread

Ingredients

Method

Check out some of my other recipes:

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Sausage Gravy

Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes

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I'm so glad you're here!

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive new post notifications and exciting updates! OH, plus an adorable baking measurement conversion printable!