Vitality Bread
Vitality Bread is a hearty, fiber-rich loaf packed with whole grains, bran, and natural sweetness from molasses. Its nutty flavor and dense texture make it perfect for wholesome sandwiches or toast, appealing to health-conscious eaters and bread lovers seeking a nutritious, satisfying option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the oatmeal, whole wheat flour, all-bran, cornmeal, wheat germ, salt, molasses, vegetable oil, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/2 cup flour.
- Put the mixture on low heat until almost boiling; it will become very thick.
- Let it cool to lukewarm and then add the remaining 1 cup warm water, the yeast, and continue to mix.
- Add the remaining flour and knead on an oiled board until the dough is glossy.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough, knead briefly, then divide and put into 3 greased pans.
- Let the dough in the pans double in size again.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of Vitality Bread, consider substituting half of the whole wheat flour with spelt flour. You can also use honey instead of molasses for a different flavor profile. If you don't have all-bran, you can replace it with bran flakes. Remember to adjust the liquid content slightly if you make any substitutions to maintain the right dough consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Vitality Bread is delicious served warm with a spread of butter or your favorite nut butter. It pairs beautifully with Helen'S Easy Fruit Salad for a nutritious breakfast or snack. You can also enjoy it with a side of soup or salad for a wholesome lunch. For a sweet treat, consider serving it alongside Double Chocolate Cupcakes(Quick And Light).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vitality Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vitality Bread contains roughly 349 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Vitality Bread by substituting the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the all-bran and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
To adjust the sweetness of the Vitality Bread, you can decrease the amount of molasses or substitute it with a sweeter option like maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the bread's flavor and texture, so adjust gradually to find your perfect balance.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor of your Vitality Bread by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg also work well, adding warmth and depth to the bread's flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).