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
Scale
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.
