Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Bread

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 120g (1 cup) whole wheat flour
• 60g (½ cup + 2 tablespoons) rolled oats, divided
• 7g (1 teaspoon) instant dry yeast
• 3g (½ teaspoon) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 240ml (1 cup) water, room temperature
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) maple syrup or agave nectar
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) neutral oil (grapeseed or sesame oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Initial Mixing (20 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, ½ cup rolled oats, and instant yeast
2. Add room temperature water and maple syrup
3. Mix until just combined
4. Cover with a clean kitchen towel
5. Let rest for 20 minutes to hydrate the flour

2. Kneading Phase (5-10 minutes + 1 hour)

1. Add oil and salt to the dough
2. Knead for 5-10 minutes until elastic:

• By hand: Knead in bowl or on lightly floured surface
• Using stand mixer: Use dough hook on Speed 2 for 3-5 minutes

1. Cover with towel
2. Place in warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size

3. Shaping (1 hour)

1. Transfer dough to lightly floured surface
2. Gently flatten with hands
3. Roll into tight log, pinching the seam
4. Dampen hands and moisten the log surface
5. Spread remaining oats on work surface
6. Roll log in oats to coat
7. Place on parchment-lined baking dish
8. Cover with towel
9. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled

4. Baking (40 minutes)

1. Preheat oven to 210°C (410°F)
2. Place baking dish with hot water on bottom rack
3. Bake bread at 210°C (410°F) for 10 minutes
4. Remove water dish
5. Reduce temperature to 182°C (360°F)
6. Bake additional 30 minutes
7. Cool completely on wire rack

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 98mg

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Baking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Test yeast activity by ensuring it bubbles in warm water before using
• Room temperature ingredients ensure optimal dough development
• For a softer crust, brush the hot bread with melted vegan butter
• Use a thermometer to check bread doneness – internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)
• Score the top of the bread before baking for controlled expansion

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace maple syrup with any liquid sweetener
• Add seeds: sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds
• Try different flour combinations: spelt, rye, or barley flour (maintain total flour weight)
• Add herbs: rosemary, thyme, or sage for savory variations
• Incorporate dried fruits and nuts for breakfast bread