Starting your day with a healthy, delicious breakfast can set the tone for a productive and energizing morning. This Quick Oat Bread for Breakfast is a perfect choice. Packed with the goodness of oats, pumpkin, and dried apricots, this bread offers a nutritious start to your day. It’s easy to make, and you can enjoy it with your favorite spread or as a quick snack. The blend of spices like cinnamon, along with the sweetness of pumpkin and apricots, makes it a comforting and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 glass of slightly warm water (approximately 200-250 ml)
- Half of a pumpkin (about 400 grams), without the skin
- 1 spoon of sweetener (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 small spoon of cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Paper for baking cookies
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil (for mixing)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- Dried apricots (soaked in hot water briefly and chopped into small pieces)
- Chia seeds (optional, for texture)
- Chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
- Mix of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits (optional, for extra flavor and texture)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats and Water
- Combine the Oats and Warm Water: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats with the warm water. Stir gently to make sure the oats are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so that the oats can absorb the water and swell up, becoming soft and ready to absorb the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin
- Peel and Cut the Pumpkin: While the oats are soaking, take half of a pumpkin (about 400 grams) and peel it. Cut the pumpkin into small pieces or chunks. Set aside the pumpkin for later use. This step helps ensure that the pumpkin blends smoothly into the oat mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the Pumpkin to the Oats: Once the oats have absorbed the water and have swollen, add the grated pumpkin to the bowl with the oats. Mix everything thoroughly so that the pumpkin is evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
- Add Sweetener and Spices: If you like, add a spoon of sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute) and a small spoon of cinnamon for flavor. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth. You can adjust the sweetness and spices to your personal preference.
- Incorporate the Additional Ingredients: Add the soaked and chopped dried apricots, chia seeds, chopped nuts, and any seeds, nuts, or dried fruits you like to the mixture. These ingredients will add texture, flavor, and nutrition to the bread.
- Add Baking Powder: Sprinkle baking powder into the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure it is evenly distributed. The baking powder will help the bread rise and become fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet or tray with baking paper. This will help prevent the bread from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
- Transfer the Mixture: Spoon the prepared mixture onto the baking paper, spreading it out evenly to form a loaf-like shape. You can also shape it into a round or oval loaf if you prefer.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the oat bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips and Variations
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins. You can include dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or dates for more sweetness, or add nuts such as walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Texture Adjustments: For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture in a food processor or blender. If you prefer a chunkier loaf, leave the ingredients as they are.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can ensure that by using a plant-based sweetener (such as maple syrup) and avoiding any dairy-based additives.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage
This oat bread is perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in a few different ways:
- Refrigerate: Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for breakfast all week long.
- Freeze: You can also freeze slices of bread for later use. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a warm, fresh slice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 180-220 (depending on sweeteners, nuts, and add-ins)
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g (depending on sweetener)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (vegan)
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of the one mentioned?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, agave, or even a sugar substitute like stevia, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe without baking powder?
While the baking powder helps the bread rise, you can skip it if you’re looking for a denser, flatter bread. Alternatively, you could use baking soda (add a small amount) mixed with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I substitute the pumpkin with another vegetable or fruit?
Yes, you can use mashed sweet potato, butternut squash, or even applesauce as an alternative to the pumpkin. These substitutes will still provide moisture and flavor to the bread.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Be sure to double-check the other ingredients for gluten-free options.
How can I make the bread sweeter?
If you like a sweeter bread, simply add more sweetener to taste. You can also use sweeter fruits like bananas or dates as an alternative or addition.
Conclusion
This Quick Oat Bread for Breakfast is an ideal way to kickstart your day with something warm, wholesome, and delicious. The natural sweetness of pumpkin and apricots pairs beautifully with the spices, while the oats provide a hearty base. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a grab-and-go snack, this bread is a wonderful addition to your breakfast routine. With its flexibility and ease, you can make it your own by adding different fruits, nuts, and seeds. Enjoy this nourishing treat any time of the day!