Why You’ll Love This 7 Grain Bread Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this 7 Grain Bread recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and textures.
The moment you take a bite, you’ll experience the nutty crunch from the seven-grain cereal paired with the wholesome softness of the whole wheat flour.
It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly satisfying and nutritious.
I love how easy it’s to make, and the aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for sandwiches or toasted with a bit of butter.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful bread!
Ingredients of 7 Grain Bread
When it comes to making a wholesome and hearty loaf of 7 Grain Bread, the ingredients aren’t just a list; they’re the stars of the show. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect texture and flavor.
Trust me, gathering these ingredients is the first step toward baking something truly special that will fill your home with warmth and a delicious aroma. So, let’s gather what we need for this delightful recipe, shall we?
Ingredients for 7 Grain Bread:
- 2 3/4 cups stone ground whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup seven-grain cereal
- 1/4 cup soy flour
- 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup egg substitute
- 1 teaspoon soymilk
Now, a little note on the ingredients: While the recipe calls for specific items, feel free to play around a bit.
For instance, if you don’t have soy flour, you could swap it out for another type of flour, though it might change the texture slightly. And don’t stress if you can’t find seven-grain cereal; any multi-grain mix will do the trick, or even a combination of oats, barley, and other grains can make it a fun experiment.
The beauty of baking is in the little tweaks you can make to suit your taste. Just remember to keep the proportions in check, or you might end up with a loaf that’s more of a science project than a delicious bread. And who wants that?
How to Make 7 Grain Bread
Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves and get baking this scrumptious 7 Grain Bread. First things first, grab yourself a cozy spot in the kitchen and gather your ingredients.
You’ll want to start by dissolving 1 (1/4 ounce) package of active dry yeast in 2/3 cup of warm water. Remember, the water should be warm—like a nice bath, not boiling hot. Give that yeast a few minutes to wake up and start bubbling, because we want it to be nice and frothy.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of stone ground whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup of seven-grain cereal, and 1/4 cup of soy flour. Mix them together like they’re old friends catching up.
Once your yeast is happily frothy, add it to the dry ingredients along with 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of egg substitute. Now, mix it all together until it forms a nice dough. If you’re anything like me, you might get a little flour on your shirt during this part—no biggie, it’s a badge of honor.
After that, it’s time to knead the dough. This is where you can let off some steam. Knead it for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic.
Now, onto the rising part. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to clean up the kitchen (or just browse your phone—no judgment here).
After it’s risen, spray a loaf pan with cooking spray, shape your dough into a loaf, and place it in the pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 45 minutes. While you’re waiting, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F.
Just before baking, brush the top with 1 teaspoon of soymilk and sprinkle a little extra seven-grain cereal on top for that charming touch. Then, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped. And just like that, you’ve created a loaf of bread that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness. Enjoy the aroma that fills your home—it’s a little slice of heaven.
7 Grain Bread Substitutions & Variations
Exploring substitutions and variations for your 7 Grain Bread can lead to exciting new flavors and textures.
If you’re out of whole wheat flour, try using spelt or oat flour for a different taste. I love adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra crunch.
Instead of soy flour, you might use almond flour for a nutty flavor. For a touch of sweetness, consider substituting honey with maple syrup.
You can also experiment by adding dried fruits, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon. Each tweak can transform your bread into a unique treat that suits your preferences perfectly!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your 7 Grain Bread turns out perfectly, I suggest paying close attention to ingredient temperatures and measurements.
Make sure your water is warm, but not hot, as this can kill the yeast. I’ve found that kneading the dough thoroughly helps develop a great texture, so don’t rush that step.
Letting the dough rise in a warm spot really makes a difference too. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing it in a turned-off oven with the light on.
Finally, don’t skip brushing with soy milk; it gives the bread a beautiful crust!