If you’ve been searching for a wholesome, hearty bread that brings together the best seeds, nuts, and naturally sweet dried fruits without a trace of gluten, this Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe is your dream come true. It’s not just bread; it’s a vibrant celebration of textures and flavors that nourish the body and delight the palate. Packed with crunch, subtle fruity sweetness, and a cozy hint of cinnamon and orange zest, this recipe elevates gluten-free baking to a whole new level of deliciousness and adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe involves a variety of ingredients, each one plays a key role in creating its unique texture, flavor, and appearance. Simple yet essential, these pantry staples transform into a loaf that’s vibrant, nutritious, and satisfyingly crunchy.
- Sunflower seeds: Provide a rich, nutty crunch and are loaded with healthy fats.
- Pumpkin seeds: Add a buttery bite and beautiful green flecks throughout the bread.
- Almonds, roughly chopped: Contribute to the hearty texture and bring a natural sweetness.
- Psyllium seed husk: Helps bind the loaf together, giving it structure without gluten.
- Chia seeds: Add moisture and a subtle gel-like consistency to hold everything tightly.
- Flax seeds: Introduce earthiness and extra omega-3 goodness.
- Rolled oats (certified gluten-free): Give chewiness and wholesome body to the bread.
- Dried apricots, finely chopped: Brighten flavors with bursts of natural sweetness.
- Dried apple rings, finely chopped: Offer a gentle fruity tartness and chew.
- Ground cinnamon (optional twist): A warm spice to deepen the flavor complexity.
- Orange zest (optional twist): Brings fresh citrus notes for a lively aroma.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall taste.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gently ties all the flavors.
- Neutral oil (avocado or coconut works well): Adds moisture and richness without overpowering.
- Water: Hydrates ingredients and activates binding agents.
How to Make Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by gathering all your seeds, nuts, oats, dried fruit, and spices in a large bowl. Mixing these dry components thoroughly ensures each bite tastes balanced and every loaf is bursting with texture and flavor. The warm cinnamon and fragrant orange zest will already begin to make your kitchen smell incredible at this stage.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, neutral oil, and water until fully combined. This mixture will not only hydrate the dry ingredients but also impart a subtle sweetness and smooth texture that complements the hearty base.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mix and stir everything together thoroughly. You want every seed, nut, and oat flake to be equally soaked. This step is key to getting the right moisture level, which helps the loaf hold its shape and texture perfectly once baked.
Step 4: Prepare for the Resting Period
Transfer the mixture into two greased or parchment-lined loaf pans. Firmly press down the batter and smooth out the tops. Cover the pans and let them rest at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the psyllium and chia seeds fully absorb moisture, resulting in a cohesive and satisfying crumb.
Step 5: Preheat and Bake
Once rested, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the loaves in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. This initial bake firms the bread and sets the shape, drawing out natural flavors.
Step 6: Final Crisping
After the first bake, remove the loaves from the pans and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. This extra time crisps the crust beautifully and ensures the inside is firm and sliceable yet tender enough to enjoy.
Step 7: Cooling
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. Cooling is essential so the bread finishes setting up perfectly and slices don’t crumble.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is a star on its own but shines even more with a little extra love on top. Try spreading a thick layer of creamy nut butter or gently drizzling honey for natural sweetness. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can complement the nutty flavors for a savory twist, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Side Dishes
Because it’s packed with seeds and nuts, this bread pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as crisp salads, vibrant vegetable soups, or a creamy avocado spread. These combinations help keep the meal balanced and highlight the bread’s rich texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve thick slices as part of a gluten-free brunch board with cheeses, olives, and fresh fruit. You can also toast slices and top them with avocado and smoked salmon or use the bread as a wholesome base for an open-faced sandwich loaded with roasted veggies and your favorite spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your gluten-free seed & nut adventure bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, letting you enjoy its deliciousness day after day without worry.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Slice the bread before freezing so you can thaw exactly what you need. Wrap slices individually or together in airtight packaging to minimize freezer burn and preserve freshness for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, toast slices directly from the fridge or freezer to revive the crisp crust. Alternatively, warming in a low oven for a few minutes works beautifully and brings back that freshly baked aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I replace the nuts or seeds in the recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of the Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe lies in its adaptability. You can switch out sunflower or pumpkin seeds for others like sesame or hemp seeds, and substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans to suit your taste or what’s available.
Is psyllium husk necessary?
Yes, psyllium husk is key for binding and moisture retention, especially in gluten-free baking. It gives the bread structure and improves sliceability. If you omit it, the bread might crumble or be too crumbly.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no eggs or dairy. Just be sure to check that your maple syrup and other ingredients meet your vegan standards.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the bread stays fresh for about a week. Because of its dense, moist nature from the seeds and fruits, it keeps well without drying out quickly.
Can I add other dried fruits or spices?
Yes! Experimenting with dried cranberries, raisins, or figs can add new flavor dimensions. You can also try spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a different aromatic touch, making each loaf your own unique adventure.
Final Thoughts
Embracing this Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe means welcoming a deliciously unique and nutritious loaf into your kitchen repertoire. Its robust flavors and satisfying textures make it a go-to for any time of day, whether toasted for breakfast or alongside your favorite evening meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover all the wonderful ways it can brighten your gluten-free baking adventures!
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Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (includes resting time)
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread is a hearty, nutritious loaf packed with a variety of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. With the added flavors of cinnamon and orange zest, this bread offers a delightful twist that’s perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, designed to be soaked and baked for a crisp crust and chewy texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups sunflower seeds
- 2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ cup psyllium seed husk
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup flax seeds
- 4 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free)
- 8 dried apricots, finely chopped
- 8 dried apple rings, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional twist)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional twist)
- 3 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 6 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or coconut work well)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together all the seeds, nuts, oats, dried apricots, dried apple rings, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, neutral oil, and water until well combined.
- Soak the Mixture: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully soaked and the mixture becomes uniform.
- Prepare Pan and Transfer Batter: Grease two loaf pans or line them with parchment paper. Divide the mixture equally between the pans, pressing down firmly and smoothing the top to ensure a compact loaf.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the pans and leave them to rest at room temperature for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight, up to 9 hours, allowing the psyllium and chia seeds to absorb moisture and bind the mixture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- First Bake: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 50 minutes in the pans.
- Second Bake for Crispness: Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place them directly onto the oven rack. Continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is crisp and the center is firm.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure proper texture and slicing ease.
- Storage: Store the bread in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life. It maintains freshness well when refrigerated or frozen.
Notes
- For best results, allow the dough to rest overnight to fully hydrate the seeds and grains.
- The optional cinnamon and orange zest add a subtle, delightful flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the loaf pans helps the bread hold its shape when baked.
- This bread is naturally gluten-free and vegan, suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Slicing the bread when completely cool prevents crumbling and helps retain the structure.
- Store wrapped in an airtight container or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
