0.25cupchopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Prepare Oats: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and milk. Stir them together and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This soaking time softens the oats, enhancing the texture of the bread.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Combine Mixtures: Once the oats have soaked, gently fold the oat mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is well integrated and you have a homogenous mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and packed brown sugar. Make sure they are mixed well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! If you're adding nuts, fold them in at this stage for an extra crunchy texture.
Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly for a uniform bake.
Bake: Place the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Cool and Slice: After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain a nice texture and prevents sogginess.
Notes
For an irresistible breakfast treat, serve slices warm with a drizzle of additional honey on top or a pat of butter. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for added flair!