This 100% oat flour bread is a wholesome and gluten-free option for those looking to enjoy a nutritious loaf. Made entirely with oat flour, it offers a unique flavor and texture that pairs well with various toppings.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers. You can enjoy this bread fresh or toasted, perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups.
Wholesome Ingredients for Oat Flour Bread
This oat flour bread is a simple yet nutritious option, perfect for those seeking a gluten-free alternative.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a loaf that is both satisfying and healthy.
The primary component, oat flour, contributes to the unique flavor and texture, making it a delightful choice for various meals.
Alongside oat flour, the recipe calls for active dry yeast, salt, and a sweetener such as sugar or honey.
These ingredients come together to create a dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a soft and moist loaf.
For those looking to enhance the flavor, a splash of olive oil can be added, providing richness and depth.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this oat flour bread is straightforward and can be accomplished in about an hour.
Start by preparing the yeast mixture, allowing it to froth and activate, which is crucial for achieving the right texture.
While the yeast is working, whisk together the oat flour and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
Once the yeast is ready, combine it with the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Kneading the dough for a few minutes helps develop its structure, ensuring a pleasant chewiness in the final product.
If the dough feels sticky, a little extra oat flour can be added to achieve the desired consistency.
The Rising Process
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
Let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
This step is essential for creating a light and airy loaf, so patience is key!
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
Transfer it to a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise again for about 20 to 30 minutes.
This second rise will further enhance the texture, ensuring a delightful crumb.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the loaf undergoes its final rise.
Baking the bread for 30 to 35 minutes will yield a golden-brown crust that is both inviting and appetizing.
To check for doneness, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow, indicating that it is fully cooked.
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
This cooling period is vital as it allows the steam to escape, preventing a soggy loaf.
Slicing into the bread while it is still warm can lead to a crumbly texture, so waiting a bit is advisable.
Serving Suggestions
This oat flour bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings.
Consider serving it with a small bowl of olive oil infused with herbs for a rustic touch.
The combination of the bread’s dense interior and the rich oil creates a delightful experience for the palate.
It can also be enjoyed as a base for sandwiches, toasted with a spread, or served alongside soups and salads.
Its mild flavor allows it to complement both savory and sweet toppings, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this oat flour bread delicious, but it also offers several nutritional benefits.
Each slice contains approximately 120 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.
The use of oat flour adds fiber to the diet, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
With only 2 grams of fat per slice, this bread is a healthier option compared to many traditional loaves.
Incorporating it into your meals can contribute to a balanced diet while satisfying your cravings for fresh bread.
Easy Gluten-Free Oat Flour Bread Recipe
This oat flour bread is made with just a few ingredients, including oat flour, water, yeast, and salt. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields a soft, moist loaf that serves 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 3 cups oat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar or honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
