Oat Bran Bread
Loaded with flavor and packed with fiber, this Oat Bran Bread makes for an excellent, healthy breakfast!
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Now that we’re almost a week into the new year, it’s time to turn our attention to more important things. Like delicious healthy breakfasts. And Ghostbusters. In case you missed it, there’s a new Ghostbusters movie coming out this summer. I’ve had the date circled on my calendar for quite a while now. (I tend to forget things, so it helps that the July 22nd release date is right after my birthday! Now if only I could find my calendar…)
The Ghostbusters movies rank right up there on my list of favorite childhood all-time movies. I mean, how can you not love Slimer? Speaking of Slimer, does anyone else out there remember Ecto Cooler juice boxes? Talk about a blast straight from the mid-80’s. Those things take me back to the days of bagged lunches in my elementary school cafeteria. After all, nothing says delicious like a juice box with a big, green slime ball on the front, right?
Now that I’m a proud father, I feel an intrinsic responsibility to teach my son about all of the great things in life. Of course, I’m talking about college football, college basketball and Ghostbusters. I can’t imagine there’s a generation out there that just didn’t know about Slimer, Dr. Peter Venkman and Egon. As soon as my son is old enough, we’ll be scheduling an all-day Ghostbusters marathon…minus the Ecto Cooler juice boxes. But only because they quit making those in the early 90’s.
Speaking of Ghostbusters characters, we’re doing our best to not look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man around here. The holidays always do a number on us with the endless supply of cakes, cookies and other treats. But we always buckle down after the holidays and get a bit healthier with our eating. One of our favorite breakfast recipes this time of the year is this Oat Bran Bread.
If you’re anything like me, then you probably think anything with “bran” in the title means it will be as dense as a brick. And probably taste like one, too. But this Oat Bran Bread is here to prove you wrong! This quick bread can be mixed up in just a few minutes. And don’t go thinking this Oat Bran Bread tastes like a brick, either…it’s actually packed with flavor. Oh, and the fiber! From the whole-wheat flour to the oats to the wheat bran itself, this bread is loaded (I mean loaded) with fiber.
If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy breakfast for these cold winter mornings, then look no further! Enjoy!
Who was your favorite Ghostbusters‘ character?
Did you ever drink Ecto Coolers?
Oat Bran Bread
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup wheat bran
- 1/3 cup + ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats divided
- ½ cup raisins
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 10”x6” bread pan; set pan aside. (See note.)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, add the buttermilk, oil, molasses, vanilla, eggs and brown sugar. Whisk together until fully combined. Stir in the wheat bran and 1/3 cup of oats; let mixture sit for 15 minutes. (This allows oats to soften.)
- Meanwhile, place the raisins in 1 cup of very hot water; set aside to soak. (Tip: This step can be skipped, but soaking raisins in hot water for a few minutes plumps them up a bit.)
- In a separate medium bowl, combine flours, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest. Stir until well combined. After oat mixture has softened, add the flour mixture and stir until just combined. (Do not overmix.)
- Drain the raisins; fold the raisins and pecans into the batter.
- Transfer batter into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup of oats on top of batter. Bake for 42-44 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for at least 20 minutes before removing.
Here’s hoping you find that calendar – I often circle dates on mine with an abbreviation and then completely forget what the abbreviation stood for in the first place! I DO remember those Ecto-cooler juice boxes – my parents wouldn’t let my sis or me have any, but I had a friend who would let me have a sip or two (I’m thinking this is how colds and coughs spread like wild fire through our classroom back then!).
Dude – molasses, cinnamon and orange would make bran taste better anyday – and LOVE that there’s no yeast in this recipe – I have some GF flour at home that I could sub in for this …Lil Shashi has to work Friday evening so I might surprise her with this when she gets off work! Thanks for sharing it, David!
Hah! Your calendar notation sounds a bit like mine. (Now what the heck was this date so important for??) And now I’m imagining little Shashi (not Lil Shashi) sipping away at Ecto-Coolers at school lunch. I hear colds and coughs still spread like wildfire…and then they bring them home for the parents to enjoy, too. I can’t wait for daycare to start! This is a really excellent bread, Shashi. You totally should surprise Lil Shashi! And the best part? It tastes even better as leftovers when toasted with a bit of butter. 🙂
I had no idea that a new Ghostbuster movie is coming out! My husband introduced me to Ghostbuster ( I know I never saw it as a child, how horrible!) and I loved it. So excited for the new one and this BREAD!! Your photography is stunning as always David and bread looks so good! Pinned!
Yes! Circle the date on your calendar, Ami! Ghostbusters is coming out with a new one…but this time the Ghostbusters are all women. Should be a fun cast! Thank you so much for the bread love, too…this oat bran bread is a favorite around here on cold mornings. 🙂
Yes, I’m excited for the movie to come out, too. My husband is a movie addict so we go for movies almost every week. I’m sure he won’t skip this one. This oat bran bread looks so fluffy and delicious. And only 15 minutes in waiting? SOLD! I love anything with rolled oats and this one is calling my name. But can we go back to chocolate, cookies, and anything sweet?
Oh man, that’s awesome! We barely ever actually make it out to the theater, but we do watch a ton of movies at home. This oat bran bread is really tasty, Linda…and yes, we can go back to chocolate and cookies next week. Gotta give it at least a week! 🙂
What a delicious looking bread! And the fact that it’s healthy gives me another excuse to make it 🙂 Oats, pecans, orange zest – yummy-yum!
Thank you so much, Melanie! I know I always think “dense and heavy” when I hear oat bran, but this bread is not that at all. And it’s 1/2 whole wheat flour, too! But the best part: toast up the leftovers with a little butter. The crispy bits are so delicious! 🙂
What a delicious looking bread David, all I need now is a cup of coffee ! Pinning to try this 🙂 PS: I haven’t heard about this movie, I need to catch up!
Tell me about it, Manali! This bread with a cup of coffee would go a long ways on a cold winter day! 🙂 And yes, go find Ghostbusters and watch it. And while you’re at it, watch Ghostbusters 2, too. They’re classics!
Now I have the Ghostbusters theme song in my head on repeat, thanks Dave! 😉
This quick bread sound perfect with that buttermilk, dig it and the orange zest addition. Me thinks I might have to make a loaf!
Hey, there are far worse songs that could get stuck in your head, Kevin. Say maybe anything by Miley Cyrus? I like to think of it as you’re just preparing to bust some ghosts out there in the San Diego area! 🙂 A loaf of this bread needs to be in your future, Kevin. My favorite way to eat it is toasted with a bit of butter. The crispy, oaty bits are the best!!
Hi David! I happen to love bran muffins and with all the additions here it makes bran even better! You know me, I’d have to use sorghum and I’m not a big fan of raisins so I’d use chopped dates. But I didn’t say anything about adding bacon… 🙂
Well of course I’d expect you to use sorghum, Dorothy! (After all, you do have an excellent source for sorghum.) And dates would be a fun little twist on this bread. Have you ever tried soaking dates (or raisins) in liquid before baking with them? I have an Irish Soda Bread recipe where I soak the raisins in hot brandy first. Woah!
Hahhah my husband said the same thing “Now that I am a proud father, I need to educate my son on everything Star Wars and Star Trek” and he isn’t waiting until he is old enough for the movie marathon. Oieeee, I am stuck between Star Wars movies and Cat in the Hat. Send this bread quick?? Thanks!
Hahaha…I’m imaging the Cat in the Hat dressed up as Obi Won Kenobi. And that totally makes me laugh. Or better yet? The Grinch peeking out of a Chewbacca outfit. I agree, though. Our sons are going to have to know about all of these classics! (Of course, they’ll just call them ‘old people movies’ and get bored by them. Hah.)
The best thing about being a parent is sharing the stuff you love with your kids. Seeing them get into the first time is so cool. And your kids will love Ghostbusters. I’m excited about the girl power reboot! But they’d better keep the theme song. Otherwise, words will not express my disappointment.
I wouldn’t worry about being all marshmallow puffy. Enjoying the holidays is a requirement, and then oat bran bread is delicious, so it’s a win-win! This looks great!
I’m realizing that, Mir! Robbie is far too young to understand this stuff yet, but I’ve got my list started. (Heck, I already snapped up a bunch of Scooby Doo movies at the used movie place the other day…just for when he gets old enough.) Oh, they can’t mess with the theme song to Ghostbusters. It’s a classic! I might have to boycott it if they do. (ok, let’s be real…I won’t actually boycott the movie, but I’ll be really mad.) Thank you so much!
I think I liked the Bill Murray character the best – although I can’t remember his name. And which one of them said, “I’ve been slimed?” I totally forgot that a new Ghostbusters movie is coming out. And I hear you about trying not to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! LOL! That’s hilarious. This Oat Bran Bread looks like a healthy choice to start your day!
I believe that was Peter Venkman…I loved Bill Murray’s character in Ghostbusters, too! Although I still think Dan Akroyd’s character is one of my favorites. Only a couple more months now til the next Ghostbusters…and did you hear that it’s an all-female cast this time? Looks like a good crew!
Oats-Fibre packed bread. Superb idea. I assume its not dry to eat. Shall try it soon.. Your blog is amazing with some beautiful food photographs and easy recipes.
Do visit my blog..FitFoodieMegha.com
Thank you so much, Megha! This bread is definitely not too dry to eat. It’s a keeper! In fact, my favorite way to eat this bread is toasted with a bit of butter. Do give it a shot! I’m hopping over to check out your site now. Thank you so much for commenting! 🙂
David, you can send your calendar (along with some food), and I’ll remind you that significant date. Wait. It can get lost in my havoc, haha. So send me only some food such as this delicious bread! And when you talk about those important things you’re going to teach your son, you always forget lavender. I’m a bit concerned, David!
Hahaha, why that’s so kind of you, Ben! Of course, that means I’ll have to find my calendar first. You’re right. I’ll just send some food and then you can remind me what I’m supposed to do each day. I expect my daily email by 6am. No later. That’s part of the deal, ok? 🙂
Ghostbuster! What??? I can’t believe it. I watched it when it first came out, but I might have to miss the new one….sorry, David! Now this bread….not going to miss it. I need all this great healthy food right now!
Wait! Why in the world would you miss the new one?? Ghostbusters is a classic, Kathy! And the new one has an all-female cast. I’m pretty excited to see how they make the ghosts look with all of the new technology and stuff. We still have to wait a few more months. But good thing there is no waiting on this bread! (Unless you have to wait while the next loaf bakes…haha.) 🙂
Mmm! I love oats. This looks delicious! I want to slather it with a bunch of healthy butter!
Oats are incredible when toasted. You know what else is incredible? Butter. Especially healthy butter. Hope your weekend is awesome, Jeff!
LOL! Yes, your son needs to learn all things college sports for sure. That is a must. And I totally remember those Hi-C Drinks with Slimer. What a blast from the past!
What a beautiful bread! I can get onboard with this since it’s a quick bread. 😉
Yes! College sports are where it’s at, Tamara. I mean I’ll watch pro but only as an afterthought to the college games. 🙂 This bread is super delicious, too…give it a shot!
Oat bran is NOT the same thing as rolled oats or wheat bran (as in your recipe).
Thanks for that clarification, Denise – you are absolutely right!