Oat Nut Bread is a wholesome and hearty loaf that combines the earthy flavors of oats with the crunch of chopped nuts, creating a bread that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This versatile bread is perfect for breakfast, toasted with a spread of butter or jam, or as a base for sandwiches. The oats add a subtle sweetness and a tender crumb, while the nuts provide a delightful texture and richness. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a snack later in the day, Oat Nut Bread is a delicious way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Additional oats and nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oats:
- Place the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over the oats and let them sit for 10-15 minutes, until softened and cooled to lukewarm.
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy and active.
- Make the Dough:
- Add the honey, melted butter, and salt to the oats, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- During the last few minutes of kneading, incorporate the chopped nuts into the dough.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let the loaf rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking:
- Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny finish. Sprinkle additional oats and chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Oat Nut Bread, a hearty and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any time of the day, adding a touch of homemade goodness to your meals!
