Oat Walnut Bread

Oat flour walnut bread is a hearty and nutritious loaf made with oat flour and studded with crunchy walnuts. It has a soft, moist texture and a slightly nutty flavor, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. This bread is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome option for those seeking a nutritious diet. It pairs well with butter, honey, or cream cheese, and can also be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

- 220g bread flour  

- 80g oat flour  

- 15g honey  

- 4g instant yeast  

- 6g salt  

- 185g lukewarm water  

- 40g walnuts  

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough:

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, oat flour, salt, and yeast.  

   - Gradually add the warm water and honey.  

   - Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.  

2. First Rise:

   - Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel.  

   - Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.  

3. Deflate and Shape:  

   - After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate.  

   - Knead in the walnuts until evenly distributed.  

   - Shape the dough into a log or your preferred bread shape.  

   - (Optional) Roll out the dough into a rectangle, add walnuts, then roll it tightly into a log for better layering.  

   - Dust a baking tray with flour and place the shaped dough on the tray.  

   - Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and cover it with a kitchen towel.  

4. Second Rise:

   - Let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes, until slightly puffed.  

5. Bake:

   - Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F).  

   - Place the bread in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.  

   - The bread is ready when the crust is golden and crispy.  

   - (Tip) Tap the bottom of the loaf - if it sounds hollow, it’s done.  

6. Cool and Enjoy:

   - Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.  

   - The crust should be crispy, with a soft, airy interior.  

7. Storage:

   - Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days. Avoid plastic bags to prevent the crust from softening.  

   - Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.  

   - To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a freshly baked feel.