Quick Spelt Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting homemade loaf that’s simple, wholesome, and ready in no time, you’ll fall in love with this Quick Spelt Bread Recipe. With its hearty flavor, gorgeous seed-flecked crumb, and satisfying chew, this bread makes lazy weekends and busy weeknights a little brighter. From the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen to the crunchy crust topped with oats, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass along to friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick Spelt Bread Recipe is built on everyday pantry staples, each playing a star role in creating bread that’s full of flavor, great texture, and rustic charm. Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—together, they bake into something truly special!

• Spelt Flour: Delivers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a tender crumb, plus it’s gentler on digestion than regular wheat flour.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the bread and balances the sweetness from honey.
• Mixed Seeds: Adds a delightful crunch, color, and a nourishing boost—think pumpkin, sunflower, and flax, but you can use your favorites.
• Fresh Compressed Yeast: Encourages a quick, light rise; if you’ve never worked with fresh yeast, this is a perfect chance to try it out.
• Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness and helps the yeast activate more quickly.
• Vinegar: Interacts with the yeast and flour to develop flavor and a pleasing tender crumb.
• Water: Makes everything come together and hydrates the flour for a soft, pliable dough.
• Butter: Used for greasing the pan and subtly enriching the crust’s flavor.
• Oats (quick cooking): Sprinkled in the pan and on top for irresistible rustic appeal and extra chew.

How to Make Quick Spelt Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your spelt flour, mixed seeds, and salt. Crumble the fresh yeast directly into the flour mixture, breaking it up as finely as you can. Mixing the yeast into the dry ingredients first helps ensure it’s distributed evenly, which gives your bread the best chance at a gorgeous, even rise.

Step 2: Create the Well and Add Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry mix. Into this cozy nest, drizzle the honey, then pour in the vinegar and water. Combining everything in the middle helps the liquids soak into the flour gradually—this way, you don’t get any dry patches or sticky flour bits later on.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Mix everything together with a sturdy wooden spoon, then roll up your sleeves and knead by hand (get ready for a little workout!) or use a kitchen machine. Knead for five minutes or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and comes away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. The Quick Spelt Bread Recipe is all about developing that beautiful dough without being fussy or time-consuming.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Turn your oven on to 390°F (200°C) and give your loaf pan a generous buttering. Next, sprinkle a handful of quick oats across the buttered pan. This technique not only prevents sticking but also creates a golden, textured crust that looks just as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Dough

Scrape the dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the surface. Don’t worry if it’s a bit rustic—this is all part of the bread’s homemade charm.

Step 6: First Bake

Pop the pan in the oven and let the bread bake for 20 minutes, undisturbed. The initial burst of heat helps the bread rise fast, locking in moisture and forming the base of that irresistible crust.

Step 7: Make the Cut

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the oven and make a single, confident slice lengthwise across the top. This not only gives your loaf a classic look but also prevents any lopsided surprises as it finishes baking.

Step 8: Finish Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 40 minutes. The total baking time is 60 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

How to Serve Quick Spelt Bread Recipe

Garnishes

The crowning touch for this hearty loaf is a scattering of extra seeds or a sprinkle of oats just before baking. A dab of butter, a light brush of honey, or even a drizzle of olive oil right when it comes out of the oven can make your Quick Spelt Bread Recipe absolutely sing.

Side Dishes

Enjoy slices fresh and warm with classic accompaniments like creamy butter, sharp cheddar, or smoked salmon. It’s also right at home next to a vibrant soup or crunchy salad, making every meal just a little more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your bread into thick hunks for rustic sandwiches, serving it in a sliced basket for guests, or even using it as the base for open-faced tartines with all your favorite toppings. For brunches or picnics, tear pieces and offer with a duo of dips—impressive but utterly effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your loaf has completely cooled, store any leftover Quick Spelt Bread Recipe in an airtight bag or container. It’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to two days, perfect for breakfasts and lunchboxes.

Freezing

This bread is a freezer hero! Simply wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or pop straight in the toaster from frozen for fresh-baked flavor anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, heat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or toast lightly. The crust crisps up, the middle softens, and every bite is as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast—just use a little under half the amount of fresh yeast (around 0.6 ounces) and dissolve it in a bit of warm water with honey before adding to the flour mixture.

Is it possible to use other flours in this Quick Spelt Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While spelt provides a delicious, nutty base, you can swap half the amount with whole wheat or even some rye for a heartier loaf. Just know the texture may change slightly.

What seeds work best for the bread?

This recipe is so flexible. Sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame, and chia seeds all shine here—choose your favorites, or use a mixture for extra color and crunch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

If you need to plan ahead, you can refrigerate the kneaded dough, covered, for up to 12 hours before baking. Bring it back to room temperature and let it rise a little before popping in the oven.

How do I know the bread is done?

The best way is to tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, a simple skewer inserted in the center should come out dry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your home with the inviting scent of fresh bread, this Quick Spelt Bread Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, nourishing, and so rewarding—give it a try and share the joy (and a few slices) with those you love!

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