Are you craving the wholesome goodness of freshly baked bread but need to avoid gluten? Look no further! This gluten-free oatmeal bread recipe delivers all the comforting flavors and textures you love, without compromising your dietary needs. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend baking project or a quick weeknight addition to your healthy meals. This recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even with dietary restrictions. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful, healthy bread!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free oat flour (you can blend gluten-free rolled oats yourself)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (this helps bind the gluten-free flour)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free oat flour, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps and ensures even baking.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, applesauce, and milk. This creates a smooth and consistent wet batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Add Oats and Nuts (optional): Stir in the rolled oats and chopped nuts (if using). This adds texture and flavor to your bread.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 15 minutes of baking; ovens vary, and you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Oatmeal Bread:
- Freshly ground oats: For the best texture, consider grinding your own gluten-free oats into flour. This ensures maximum freshness and enhances the bread's overall quality.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is fully baked. It should come out clean.
- Experiment with additions: Feel free to add other ingredients like seeds, dried fruit, or spices to customize your bread.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Savory Oatmeal Bread: Omit the maple syrup and add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter. This creates a delicious savory bread perfect for pairing with soups or stews.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on additions) Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This gluten-free oatmeal bread recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your baking repertoire. It's a perfect option for quick dinner ideas, and its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy!