Description
This wholesome Oatmeal and Chia Bread combines the nutritious benefits of rolled oats and chia seeds with the comforting texture of homemade yeast bread. Sweetened lightly with honey or maple syrup, and enriched with olive or coconut oil, this loaf is perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. The bread is easy to make with simple ingredients and offers a slightly nutty flavor with a soft, chewy crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 chia and oats: 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 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 dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon (if using), and baking powder (if using).
- Combine wet and dry 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 loaf: 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 oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: 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 the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- The optional baking powder gives a slight extra rise but can be omitted.
- Adding oat flour can make the bread lighter and softer in texture.
- Ensure water used is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
- Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
