Description
This Oatmeal and Chia Bread is a hearty, wholesome loaf packed with the goodness of oats and chia seeds. With its nutty flavor, soft texture, and added nutritional benefits, this bread makes for the perfect addition to your breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra rise)
- 1/4 cup oat flour (optional for a lighter texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the oats and chia seeds: In a bowl, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds with the warm water. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency.
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, honey (or maple syrup), and 1/2 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is bubbly and frothy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon (if using), and baking powder (if using).
- Combine the ingredients: Add the oat-chia mixture and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine, then add the oil and continue mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: After the first rise, punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the loaf pan.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Once the dough has finished rising, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be about 190°F (88°C).
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich version of this bread.
- For extra texture and flavor, you can add raisins, nuts, or seeds to the dough before baking.
- If you prefer a softer crust, cover the loaf with a kitchen towel as it cools after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0g