Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but hesitant about the sugar content in most recipes? Then this no-sugar bread recipe is perfect for you! This easy recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf without relying on added sugars. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a simple snack. This homemade bread recipe is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a healthier alternative. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and active, crucial for a successful rise.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the salt, olive oil, and applesauce to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If you're new to kneading, don't worry – a little less kneading is perfectly fine. The gluten will still develop.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in your optional ingredients such as chopped nuts and cinnamon at this stage.
Step 6: First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 8: Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious, healthy, no-sugar bread!
Cooking Tips:
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your water is the correct temperature for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Don't over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf of bread.
- If you don't have applesauce, you can substitute with mashed banana or pumpkin puree.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough.
- Seed Bread: Incorporate 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds.
- Cheese Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and slice size. However, a general estimate would place the calories per slice in the range of 150-200, with a lower sugar content compared to traditional bread. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This no-sugar bread recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional bread. It's a fantastic example of how you can enjoy homemade cooking and create healthy meals easily. Enjoy!