If you’re craving a hearty, wholesome loaf that bursts with texture and flavor, look no further than the Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe. This bread is a celebration of crunchy seeds, nutritious nuts, and naturally sweet dried fruit, all coming together in a gluten-free masterpiece. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just in search of a nutrient-packed alternative to traditional bread, this recipe delivers a delightful, rustic loaf that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Prepare for an adventure in every slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building this Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple when you gather these essential ingredients. Each element brings its own wonderful contribution, whether it’s the crunch, moisture, or subtle sweetness, giving the bread its unique personality.
- Sunflower seeds (1½ cups): These add a lovely nutty crunch and healthy fats to the mix.
- Pumpkin seeds (2/3 cup): Bright green gems for texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Almonds, roughly chopped (1 cup): Chunky pieces that boost protein and add a satisfying bite.
- Psyllium seed husk (½ cup): A magic ingredient that helps bind the bread and keep it soft.
- Chia seeds (4 tbsp): Tiny powerhouses that support moisture retention and add subtle crunch.
- Flax seeds (1 cup): These lend a slightly nutty flavor and promote a smooth texture.
- Rolled oats, certified gluten-free (4 cups): The hearty base that gives the loaf body and depth.
- Dried apricots, finely chopped (8 pieces): Bits of natural sweetness that brighten every bite.
- Dried apple rings, finely chopped (8 pieces): Fruity nuggets that add a lovely chewy contrast.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp, optional): For a warm, inviting spice note.
- Orange zest (zest of 1 orange, optional): A fresh citrus zing to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt (3 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Maple syrup (4 tbsp): Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness and moisture.
- Neutral oil (6 tbsp): Choose avocado or coconut oil for moisture without overpowering flavors.
- Water (4 cups): Essential for bringing the dry ingredients together into a perfect dough.
How to Make Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss in all your seeds, nuts, oats, dried fruits, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures, the foundation of an unforgettable loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, oil, and water. This liquid blend will hydrate the dry mix, binding everything together and infusing subtle sweetness and richness into the dough.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring thoroughly until each seed and nut is soaked and the texture comes together like a thick batter. This step is essential for that perfect crumb and moisture balance in your bread.
Step 4: Prepare to Rise
Transfer your mixture evenly into two greased or parchment-lined loaf pans. Press the dough firmly down to compact it, then smooth the tops for even baking. Cover the pans and let them rest at room temperature for a minimum of 6 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the psyllium and chia to work their magic.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) as your final rise finishes, preparing you for that golden bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the loaves in their pans for 50 minutes to set the outer crust. Then, remove from pans and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for another 30 to 40 minutes to achieve a crisp crust and a firm interior that holds together perfectly when sliced.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your loaves cool completely before slicing. This waiting game is worth it, as the bread firms up in all the right ways, ready to deliver that unforgettable Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe experience.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is beautiful as is, but if you want to dress it up a little, consider a light spread of creamy almond butter or a drizzle of honey. The natural sweetness will complement the nutty profile and add a touch of elegance to your serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this multifaceted bread with creamy soups, robust stews, or a colorful salad for a balanced meal. It holds up wonderfully to dips like hummus or avocado smash, making it a versatile companion for many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices lightly and topping with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a contemporary twist. Or, assemble open-faced sandwiches with smoked salmon, fresh greens, and a squeeze of lemon to showcase the bread’s hearty texture alongside fresh ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe stays fresh and flavorful when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for several days, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Simply wrap whole loaves or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. It will maintain its texture and flavor for up to three months, ready for whenever you want that satisfying crunch again.
Reheating
To bring back its freshly baked charm, toast slices directly from the freezer or warm whole loaves wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. The crust will regain its crispness while the interior softens deliciously.
FAQs
Is this Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This bread recipe contains no animal products, and all ingredients like maple syrup and oil are plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets.
Can I substitute any of the seeds or nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap seeds and nuts according to your preference or what you have on hand. Just be mindful of quantities to maintain the bread’s texture.
Do I need special equipment to make this bread?
You don’t! Basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, loaf pans, and an oven are all you need. No bread machine or fancy appliances required.
What’s the role of psyllium husk in this bread?
Psyllium husk acts as a binding agent in gluten-free baking, providing structure and moisture retention so your bread isn’t crumbly but holds together perfectly after baking.
Can I add fresh herbs or spices to vary the flavor?
Definitely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or a touch of smoked paprika can add new dimensions to the bread. Just add them with the dry ingredients for even flavor distribution.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly rewarding about making the Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe from scratch—each bite bursts with wholesome ingredients and comforting textures. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or looking for a dependable favorite, this loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your favorite seeds, pour a cup of tea, and get ready to enjoy this delicious adventure!
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Gluten-Free Seed & Nut Adventure Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes (including 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. It uses gluten-free oats and psyllium husk to create a dense, fiber-rich bread with natural sweetness and a delightful texture. Perfect for those seeking a wholesome, gluten-free option, it combines wholesome ingredients with the subtle warmth of cinnamon and a hint of citrus from orange zest.
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, combine all dry ingredients including seeds, nuts, oats, dried fruit, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt to create an even mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, neutral oil, and water until well combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is evenly soaked.
- Transfer to Loaf Pans: Grease or line two loaf pans with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pans, pressing down firmly and smoothing the tops for an even surface.
- Rest the Batter: Cover the pans and let the mixture rest at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight (up to 9 hours) to allow ingredients to hydrate and flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pans in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Then carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place them directly on the oven rack. Continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the bread is crisp on the outside and firm in the center.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This helps to set the texture and makes slicing easier. Store the bread well refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Resting the batter overnight helps improve texture and flavor by allowing the psyllium husk and seeds to thoroughly absorb moisture.
- Using certified gluten-free oats is critical to maintain a gluten-free loaf.
- The optional cinnamon and orange zest add a subtle warm and citrus flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- The bread is dense and hearty, best served sliced thin and toasted or with toppings like nut butter or cheese.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
