Whole Wheat Oat Bread Recipe
This wholesome and nutritious bread, made with oats, whole wheat flour, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Top it with nuts or seeds for an extra crunch!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (divided)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
- Optional: Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chopped walnuts, or any other nuts/seeds for topping
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup with warm water. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial to activate the yeast.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the yeast mixture, the remaining honey or maple syrup, and the olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour. Kneading helps develop the gluten for a better texture.
- First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a prepared bread pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optional: Sprinkle sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts on top of the loaf.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- You can customize this bread with your choice of nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this homemade bread!