Irresistible Honey-Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread Recipe with Maple Butter

Posted on November 8, 2025

honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread - featured image

The aroma of honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread baking in the oven is pure magic—it’s warm, cozy, and heartwarming all at once. When paired with a dollop of velvety maple butter, it’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a way to use up some leftover oats, and let me tell you—it’s been a hit ever since.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making bread from scratch. It’s not just the process of mixing and kneading, but the anticipation of pulling out a golden loaf that’s slightly sweet and perfectly spiced. This honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread has quickly become a staple in my home, loved equally by kids and adults alike. It’s hearty yet tender, with just the right amount of chewiness from the oats.

If you’re a fan of comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, the maple butter adds a luxurious touch that takes this bread to the next level. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even dessert, I promise this recipe will win you over. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down anything fancy—everything is likely already in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this bread fits the bill.
Deliciously Sweet: The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a warm, balanced sweetness that’s irresistible.
Nutritious: Packed with oats and natural sweeteners, it’s a wholesome treat you can feel good about.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes—or switch up the toppings for endless possibilities.
Easy Enough for Beginners: If you’re new to bread-making, this is a great recipe to start with!

This isn’t just another oatmeal bread recipe. The honey adds a gentle sweetness while the cinnamon lends a cozy warmth that makes every bite comforting. And let’s not forget the maple butter—it’s the kind of indulgence that makes you savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this bread, it’ll be hard to keep it from disappearing within hours!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread is made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Old-fashioned oats: Adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture to the bread.
Warm water: Helps soften the oats and activate the yeast.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the bread while enhancing its moisture.
Active dry yeast: Makes the bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balance to the dough.
Cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and depth to every bite.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Butter: Gives richness to the bread and adds softness to the crust.
Maple syrup: Used for the maple butter, adding a sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): The base for the maple butter, making it creamy and spreadable.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry—there are easy substitutions. For example, you can swap honey for agave syrup or use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Keep reading for more ideas in the variations section!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for soaking the oats and mixing the dough.
Whisk: Helpful for combining wet ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
Wooden spoon or dough hook: For mixing the dough—if you have a stand mixer, even better!
Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
Oven: Essential for baking the bread to golden perfection.

If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the dough into a free-form loaf and bake it on a baking sheet. A stand mixer can save time, but mixing by hand works just as well (and is a great arm workout!).

Detailed Preparation Method

Start by soaking your oats. Combine 1 cup (90g) of old-fashioned oats with 1 cup (240ml) of warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the oats soften.
In another bowl, mix 2 tablespoons (30ml) of honey with 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) of active dry yeast and ¾ cup (180ml) of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the soaked oats, 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt, and ½ teaspoon (1g) of cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Gradually add 3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in the prepared pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
While the bread cools, prepare the maple butter. Combine 4 tablespoons (60g) of softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
Slice the bread, spread some maple butter on top, and enjoy!

Pro Tip: If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as you knead. And always test the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom—it should sound hollow!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t rush the rising: Giving the dough enough time to rise is crucial for a fluffy loaf.
Use warm water: Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it properly.
Knead thoroughly: Kneading ensures the gluten develops, giving your bread structure.
Check oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure your bread bakes evenly.
Let it cool: As tempting as it is, slicing warm bread can cause it to crumble. Wait at least 10 minutes.

Trust me, I’ve learned these tips the hard way. From over-proofed dough to undercooked centers, each mistake was a lesson that brought me closer to perfecting this recipe.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
Seasonal Twist: Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a festive holiday loaf.
Vegan Option: Swap honey for agave syrup and butter for vegan margarine.
Enhanced Flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
Different Toppings: Try serving with cream cheese, apple butter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate!

My favorite variation? Adding a handful of raisins to the dough. They plump up beautifully during baking, creating bursts of sweetness throughout the loaf.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread is best served slightly warm with a generous spread of maple butter. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf—just slice it beforehand to make thawing easier. To reheat, pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C).

The flavors deepen over time, making day-old bread even better. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown per slice (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

The oats in this bread provide fiber, while the honey adds natural sweetness without refined sugar. Plus, the maple butter is a great alternative to sugary spreads, making this a wholesome indulgence you can enjoy guilt-free!

Conclusion

This irresistible honey-cinnamon oatmeal bread with maple butter isn’t just a recipe—it’s a cozy experience. From the smell of it baking to the joy of spreading warm maple butter on a slice, every step is worth it.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below, share your variations, or tag me on social media. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture may be slightly softer and less hearty.

Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and bake it on a baking sheet instead.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture becomes frothy after 5 minutes, it’s active. If not, start over with fresh yeast.

Can I make the maple butter ahead of time?

Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it soften slightly before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat this bread?

Toast slices for a crisp edge, or warm the loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.