Sunflower Honey Oat Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Sunflower Honey Oat Bread is a delightful twist on a classic loaf, loaded with the nutty goodness of sunflower seeds and a hint of sweetness from honey. Perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers, it brings a rustic charm to your table.

Ingredients for Sunflower Honey Oat Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure and a neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine. Rolled oats add a hearty texture and a touch of earthiness, while sunflower seeds contribute a nutty flavor and delightful crunch. Honey not only sweetens the bread but also helps with browning and moisture retention. Instant yeast is crucial for giving the bread its lift and airy texture. Salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness and nuttiness. Warm water activates the yeast, and vegetable oil adds moisture and richness, ensuring a soft crumb.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
  • If your kitchen is chilly, let your dough rise in an oven preheated to 200°F, then turned off.
  • Don't skip the kneading! It develops the gluten network, giving the bread its structure.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is fantastic toasted with a pat of salted butter and a drizzle of extra honey. It also pairs beautifully with a hearty bowl of soup or can be used for sandwiches, especially with turkey and cranberry sauce for a post-holiday treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser, more robust loaf.
How should I store the bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different as quick oats are more processed and absorb moisture differently.

Sunflower Honey Oat Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine your flour, oats, sunflower seeds, and salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, mix together warm water, honey, and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You'll see it start to get bubbly and foamy – that's how you know it's ready to go.

Now, pour your bubbly yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Stir it together until you have a sticky dough. It might look a bit of a mess, but that's exactly what you want. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. You'll feel it change under your hands, becoming smooth and elastic.

Next, give a large bowl a quick oiling, pop your dough in there, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a cozy spot for it to rise—somewhere warm and draft-free is perfect. Let it do its thing for an hour, or until it's doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough to release any built-up air. Shape it into a loaf, nothing fancy required. Transfer it to a greased 9x5-inch bread pan. Cover it up again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

While your dough is having its final rise, preheat your oven to 375°F. When it’s ready, pop the bread in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when it's a lovely golden brown and sounds hollow when you give it a tap on the bottom.

Finally, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Patience is key here; cutting into it too soon can make it gummy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines wholesome oats and sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Subtle sweetness from honey makes it versatile for both savory and sweet toppings.
  • Easy, no-fuss recipe – great for beginners and busy bakers alike.
  • Rises beautifully, offering a satisfying homemade bread experience.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp instant yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine the flour, oats, sunflower seeds, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast; let stand for 5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients; stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
7. Transfer the loaf to a greased 9x5-inch bread pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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