cereal bread – recipesshubb

Cereal Bread

Cereal bread is a wholesome, lightly sweet loaf made with cooked breakfast cereal folded into a soft yeast dough. The cereal adds moisture, texture, and subtle flavor, creating a tender crumb that stays fresh longer than standard white bread. This classic homemade bread is comforting, versatile, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.

Often associated with old-fashioned home baking, cereal bread is an excellent way to use pantry staples while creating a loaf that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you use oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or another hot cereal, this bread is simple to make and incredibly rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

Cereal bread has a uniquely soft texture thanks to the cooked cereal, which holds moisture in the dough. The result is a loaf that’s fluffy but sturdy, making it ideal for slicing. It has a mild flavor with just a hint of sweetness, allowing it to pair well with both savory and sweet toppings.

This recipe is also very forgiving, making it great for beginner bread bakers. The dough is easy to work with, rises reliably, and bakes into a beautiful golden loaf every time.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked hot cereal (oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or multigrain cereal)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil, melted
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour

Ingredient Notes

Hot Cereal:
Plain, unsweetened cereal works best. Oatmeal is the most popular choice, but wheat or multigrain cereal adds extra texture and nutrition.

Milk:
Milk creates a softer crumb than water, but water can be used if preferred.

Sweetener:
Sugar provides a classic flavor, while honey adds depth and slight floral notes.

How to Make Cereal Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Cook the cereal according to package directions using water or milk. Let it cool until warm but not hot. Hot cereal can kill the yeast, so this step is important.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Add the cooked cereal, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until the dough rises just above the rim of the pan.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Step 9: Cool

Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Toasted with butter and jam
Used for sandwiches or grilled cheese
Served warm with honey or peanut butter
Paired with soup or stew

This bread also makes excellent French toast due to its soft, moist crumb.

Tips for Success

Let the cereal cool before mixing
Don’t add too much flour—soft dough makes softer bread
Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly
Cool fully before slicing for best texture

Variations

Whole Wheat Cereal Bread: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
Seeded Cereal Bread: Add sunflower or flax seeds
Honey Oat Bread: Use oatmeal and honey for extra sweetness
Multigrain Bread: Use a multigrain hot cereal blend

Storage

Store cereal bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze sliced bread for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.

Final Thoughts

Cereal bread is a timeless homemade loaf that combines comfort, simplicity, and nourishment. With its soft texture and mild flavor, it’s the kind of bread that works for every meal of the day. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your home baking rotation.