Ultimate Slow Cooker Whole Wheat Oat Bread
This Ultimate Slow Cooker Whole Wheat Oat Bread is the epitome of easy, delicious baking. With its light and fluffy interior, this moist bread is enriched with wholesome rolled oats and wheat germ, providing both flavor and nutrition. The crust forms beautifully in the slow cooker, offering a delightful crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the tender crumb inside. Ideal for warm summer days when you want freshly baked bread without heating up the kitchen, this recipe not only fills your home with the irresistible aroma of baking bread but also brings a nutritious twist to your table. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter, this bread is a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yeast
1 tablespoon (Active dry yeast, dissolved in warm water)
Warm Water
1/4 cup (Used to dissolve yeast)
Warm Skim Milk or Buttermilk
1 cup (Serves as the liquid base)
Rolled Oats
1/2 cup (Adds texture and nutrition)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Enhances flavor)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (Provides moisture and flavor)
Honey
2 tablespoons (Natural sweetener)
Whole Egg
1 (Binds the ingredients together)
Wheat Germ
1/4 cup (Boosts nutritional value)
Whole Wheat Flour
2 3/4 cups (Main flour component)
Instructions
1
Begin by greasing a deep metal or glass bowl, or a 1 lb coffee can. A glass 18 cm Pyrex soufflé dish works wonderfully. Turn your slow cooker on high to preheat.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (or buttermilk), rolled oats, salt, olive oil, honey, egg, and wheat germ.
4
Once the yeast is bubbly, pour it into the wet ingredient mixture. Stir well to combine.
5
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6
Transfer the kneaded dough into the greased bowl or coffee can, then cover it loosely with aluminum foil, allowing some air to circulate.
7
To prepare the slow cooker, add 1/2 cup of water along with a trivet or some crumpled foil at the bottom. This will create steam while the bread cooks.
8
Place the bowl or can containing the dough onto the trivet or foil in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and allow it to ‘bake’ on high for 3 hours.
9
Once the time is up, carefully remove the bowl or can from the slow cooker. The sides of the bread should have browned and become crisp, while the top will be lightly browned and soft to the touch.
10
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade bread fresh, or store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of making Ultimate Slow Cooker Whole Wheat Oat Bread?
It allows you to bake fresh, nutritious bread without heating up your kitchen, making it ideal for warm summer days.
What kind of container should I use to hold the dough inside the slow cooker?
You can use a deep metal or glass bowl, like an 18 cm Pyrex souffle dish, or a clean 1 lb coffee can.
Should I preheat the slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you should turn your slow cooker on high to preheat while you begin preparing the dough.
How long does the yeast need to dissolve?
The active dry yeast should sit in 1/4 cup of warm water for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Can I substitute the skim milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can use buttermilk as an alternative to warm skim milk for the liquid base.
What role does wheat germ play in this bread?
Wheat germ is added to boost the nutritional value and enhance the overall flavor of the bread.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Why do I need to add water to the bottom of the slow cooker?
Adding 1/2 cup of water to the bottom creates steam, which helps the bread cook properly and stay moist.
What should I place the dough container on inside the slow cooker?
Place the container on a trivet or some crumpled aluminum foil at the bottom of the slow cooker to keep it above the water.
How long does it take to bake the bread in the slow cooker?
The bread needs to 'bake' on the high setting for 3 hours.
Should the dough container be covered?
Yes, cover the bowl or can loosely with aluminum foil to allow some air to circulate while keeping moisture out.
What is the texture of the bread once finished?
The bread features a light and fluffy interior with sides that are browned and crisp.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Absolutely, its sturdy yet tender crumb makes it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or eating with butter.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rolled oats to add texture and nutrition.
How do I know if the bread is done?
The sides should be browned and crisp, and the top should be lightly browned and soft to the touch after 3 hours.
Does this recipe require a traditional oven?
No, this is a 'no oven' recipe specifically designed for a slow cooker.
What sweetener is used in this whole wheat bread?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey as a natural sweetener.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: yeast, water, milk/buttermilk, oats, salt, olive oil, honey, egg, wheat germ, and whole wheat flour.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
The first step is dissolving the yeast in warm water until frothy, then combining it with the other wet ingredients.
How should the bread be stored?
Once cooled, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Is this recipe appropriate for beginner bakers?
Yes, it is described as a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers due to its easy preparation.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of whole wheat flour as the main flour component.
Why is olive oil included in the ingredients?
Olive oil provides essential moisture and adds flavor to the loaf.
What provides the bread's structure?
The combination of whole wheat flour and a whole egg helps bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Can I use a metal coffee can for baking?
Yes, a 1 lb metal coffee can is a great alternative if you do not have a suitable glass bowl.
Should the bread cool before slicing?
Yes, it is recommended to let the bread cool slightly before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Is this a healthy bread option?
Yes, it contains wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, wheat germ, and whole wheat flour.
Does the bread have a crust?
Yes, the slow cooker method creates a delightful crispiness on the crust that contrasts with the tender interior.
How much yeast is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
What is the final texture of the top of the bread?
The top of the bread will be lightly browned and soft to the touch.