Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is essential, and what better way to do so than with a slice of healthy, homemade bread? This Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Bread is perfect for breakfast and is packed with wholesome ingredients that will fuel your body and keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Made without traditional flour, this bread is a great option for those looking to reduce their gluten intake or simply wanting to try something new. The combination of oat flakes, seeds, and kefir or yogurt creates a moist, dense loaf that’s both flavorful and nourishing. Whether you enjoy it toasted with a spread of butter or topped with avocado, this oatmeal bread is a versatile and delicious addition to your breakfast routine.
Ingredients
- Oat Flakes: 90 g (about 1 cup) – use gluten-free oats if needed
- Salt: A pinch
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Mixed Seeds: 2 tablespoons (such as sunflower, chia, flax, or sesame seeds)
- Kefir or Yogurt: 200 ml (about 3/4 cup)
- Egg: 1 medium
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Seeds for Decoration: Optional (e.g., sesame, poppy, or pumpkin seeds)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes, salt, baking soda, and mixed seeds. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the kefir or yogurt, egg, and apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar helps to activate the baking soda, giving the bread a slight rise and a tender crumb.
- Combine and Form the Dough:
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, but this is normal for a flourless bread.
- Once the dough is fully mixed, transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
- Add Decoration:
- If desired, sprinkle the top of the bread with additional seeds for decoration. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the nutritional profile of the bread.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings. This bread pairs well with both sweet and savory spreads, making it a versatile choice for any breakfast.
Cooking Tips
- Customize Your Seeds: Feel free to experiment with different types of seeds in the bread. Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch, while chia and flax seeds provide additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Kefir vs. Yogurt: Both kefir and yogurt work well in this recipe, but kefir will give the bread a slightly tangier flavor and a more probiotic boost. If you prefer a milder taste, stick with yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing, so it’s essential to choose oats that are labeled as such.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Simply toast the slices straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Bread is packed with nutrients that make it an excellent choice for breakfast:
- Oats: Oats are a whole grain that provides a good source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Oats also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Seeds: The mixed seeds in this bread add a variety of nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. For example, chia and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Kefir/Yogurt: Both kefir and yogurt are excellent sources of probiotics, which support gut health. They also provide calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that contribute to bone health.
- Egg: Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. They are also a good source of vitamins D and B12, as well as choline, which is important for brain health.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nourishing: This bread is made with wholesome ingredients that are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients that support a healthy diet.
- Gluten-Free and Flourless: Perfect for those who are avoiding gluten or looking to reduce their intake of refined flour, this bread is naturally gluten-free and flourless, making it a great alternative to traditional bread.
- Versatile: Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or topped with your favorite spreads, this bread is versatile enough to suit any breakfast preference. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, allowing you to customize your meal to your liking.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this bread is easy to make, even for beginners. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy homemade bread without the need for kneading or long rising times.
Dietary Information
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 calories per slice (depending on portion size and seed variations)
- Protein: 4-5 grams per slice
- Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams per slice
- Fats: 5-7 grams per slice
- Fiber: 2-3 grams per slice
This bread is naturally gluten-free (when using gluten-free oats) and can be made dairy-free by substituting kefir or yogurt with a plant-based alternative. It’s also low in sugar and contains no refined flour, making it a healthy choice for those looking to reduce their intake of processed foods.
Why This Recipe Works
This Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Bread works because it leverages the natural binding properties of oats and eggs to create a cohesive, moist loaf without the need for traditional flour. The baking soda, activated by the acid in the apple cider vinegar, gives the bread a slight rise and a tender crumb, while the mixed seeds add texture and flavor. The use of kefir or yogurt not only adds moisture but also introduces beneficial probiotics that support gut health. Overall, the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this bread a practical and enjoyable choice for a healthy breakfast.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a nutritious and satisfying bread to start your day, this Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Bread is the perfect option. With its hearty texture, rich flavor, and health-boosting ingredients, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a homemade loaf without the need for traditional flour. Whether you’re gluten-free, health-conscious, or just looking to try something new, this oatmeal bread is sure to become a staple in your breakfast routine. So why not give it a try? You’ll love how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be for any meal.