This no-knead oat and seed bread contains no flour or yeast for a dense, oil-free, vegan, gluten-free bread loaded with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients!
No-Knead, Flourless Oat and Seed Bread
While it’s loaf-like in shape, gluten-free seed bread recipe certainly isn’t your everyday sandwich loaf. Instead, it’s a yeast-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and flourless loaf reminiscent of seed-packed Nordic bread, like Rye bread from Denmark, and flourless ‘adventure bread’ (which a little Googling suggests originated in The Mill bakery in San Francisco, thanks to Josey Baker).
So, what exactly is this oat seed bread recipe? Well, taking things a step further than my risen flourless flax bread, this recipe is made almost entirely of oats and mixed seeds with no leavening agent. The result is a loaf jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients and hearty enough for at home or on the go – whether camping, hiking, etc.
It’s moist, dense, chewy, filling, healthy, and packed with fiber, heart-healthy fats, and micro-nutrients (like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and more) in every bite to leave you feeling super satisfied. Plus, unlike similar recipes, this one is entirely sugar-free and oil-free, too.
Best of all, it’s SO easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients in one bowl with minimal clean-up and no special equipment or techniques. Mix, rest, bake, cool, and enjoy – Voila! A healthy, no-flour bread for breakfast, lunch, or snacking.
The Ingredients
- Rolled oats: This seedy oatmeal bread recipe is naturally gluten-free, but use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
- Seeds: I use several seeds for a brilliant combination of texture, flavor, and nutrients with binding ability. I use raw seeds, but dry toasting the pumpkin/sunflower seeds can add a toastier, deeper flavor.
- Ground flax seeds (regular or golden – important for binding the loaf)
- Chia seeds (also help with binding)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Other seeds, like sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and pine nuts (which are actually seeds) also work.
- Psyllium husk: This ingredient helps wheat-free and gluten-free bread mimic gluten dough better and is a great binder- do NOT skip or replace it, as there is no substitute.
- Salt: A small amount of salt will enhance the overall flavor of the seed bread.
- Hot water: Make sure it’s hot to ‘activate’ the ground psyllium and flaxseed to thicken and bind. If it isn’t, the dough will need to rest for longer.
- Vinegar: I use apple cider vinegar, though other kinds of vinegar work and will lighten up the dough slightly.
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
What Else Could I Add to a Seed Loaf?
- Nuts: Replace some pumpkin or sunflower seeds with nuts, like hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.
- Maple syrup: Or coconut sugar – just 2-3 teaspoons can help balance the flavors (or about 2 tbsp for a sweeter loaf). Sugar-free options like erythritol/stevia (granulated or drops) also work.
- Dried fruit: For more of a sweet loaf, try replacing some seeds with a handful of raisins, cranberries, finely chopped dates, apricots, figs, etc.
- Seasonings: For more of a savory oat bread recipe, you could add dried onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and/or chili flakes. For a sweeter loaf, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. Dried herbs would also work.
- Other add–ins: Sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes may also work well.
How to Make Oatmeal Seed Bread
- First, stir all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Then, add the wet ingredients (water and apple cider vinegar) and mix again – first with a wooden spoon, then with your hands.
- Transfer the oat seed dough to a parchment paper-lined loaf tin (leave overhang for easy removal), cover with a damp kitchen towel (or plastic wrap), and set aside for 30 minutes, preheating the oven to 360F/180C (top and bottom heat) in the last 15 minutes.
During this time, the ingredients will swell and bind to create a cohesive flourless loaf. The water should have entirely soaked up during this time. If not, leave it for longer.
- Transfer the loaf to the oven and bake for around 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Finally, remove the seed load from the oven and leave it to cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This flourless oatmeal and seed bread works particularly well when toasted and/or served as an open sandwich, topped with:
- Hummus and vegetables (cucumber, radish, tomato, etc.)
- Other dips, pates, and spreads – like garlic white bean dip and lentil hummus
- Sliced or smashed avocado
- Chickpea ‘tuna’ salad with garnishes
- Nut or seed butter (optionally topped with banana slices or berries)
- Jellies and jams – like this raspberry chia jam
- Vegan cream cheese with veggies (tomato, cucumber, gherkins, etc.)
- Vegan ricotta cheese with maple syrup and fruit (apple, pear, berries)
- Pesto and tomato slices
You can also enjoy this healthy bread alongside soups, stews, and salads.
Storage Instructions
Store: Make sure the seedy oat bread has cooled completely, then store leftovers tightly wrapped/in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 6-8 days.
Freeze: Store the seed loaf, either whole or sliced (with parchment paper between the slices) in a Ziplock bag or plastic wrap in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or a toaster oven/microwave.
FAQs
Can I toast the oat seed bread?
Yes, and it will make the outside crunchier, like regular bread.
Can I make mini loaves?
Yes, that should be fine – you’ll just need to reduce the baking time. You could also bake the dough in a muffin tin for 20-25 minutes, remove them from the tin, and bake for a further 15-20 minutes (for crispier, browner edges).
Can I make the dough in advance?
I think you’d be able to leave the dough to soak overnight (up to 12 hours) before baking. It may take slightly longer to bake and have a softer, moister consistency.
Recipe Notes
- Don’t omit the psyllium: There is no similar replacement, and it’s necessary for binding and texture.
- Use a metal loaf pan: Silicone pans don’t conduct heat in the same way and won’t achieve the best toasty, crisp outer texture. Also, note this bread doesn’t rise much, so the smaller the pan, the taller the loaf.
- Allow to cool completely: The oats and seeds mixture will fully set while cooling but are still sticky directly from the oven- so it’s important to leave it until fully cooled before slicing the loaf.
Other Gluten-free ‘Bread’ Recipes
- The Best Gluten-free Bread
- Gluten-free French Bread
- Easy Gluten-free Pita Bread
- Gluten-free Naan Bread
- Protein Bread with Lentils
- Gluten-Free Bread Rolls (German Brötchen)
If you try this healthy oatmeal seed bread recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan—I love seeing them.
Oatmeal Seed Bread
Ingredients
- 180 g (2 cups) rolled oats
- 100 g (¾ cup) sunflower seeds
- 80 g (¾ cup) ground flaxseed
- 50 g (⅜ cups) pumpkin seeds
- 30 g (3 ½ Tbsp) chia seeds
- 30 g (⅓ cup) psyllium husk
- 1 tsp salt
- 400 ml (1 ⅔ cup) hot water
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.First, stir all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Then, add the wet ingredients (water and apple cider vinegar) and mix again – first with a wooden spoon, then with your hands.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined loaf tin (leave overhang for easy removal), cover with a damp kitchen towel (or plastic wrap), and set aside for 30 minutes, preheating the oven to 360F/180C (top and bottom heat) in the last 15 minutes.During this time, the ingredients will swell and bind to create a cohesive flourless loaf. The water should have entirely soaked up during this time. If not, leave it for longer.
- Transfer the loaf to the oven and bake for around 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Finally, remove the seed load from the oven and leave it to cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t omit the psyllium: There is no similar replacement, and it’s necessary for binding and texture.
- Use a metal loaf pan: Silicone pans don’t conduct heat in the same way and won’t achieve the best toasty, crisp outer texture. Also, note this bread doesn’t rise much, so the smaller the pan, the taller the loaf.
- Allow to cool completely: The oats and seeds mixture will fully set while cooling but are still sticky directly from the oven- so it’s important to leave it until fully cooled before slicing the loaf.
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
Liz
This bread is wonderful. what are your thoughts about toasting the pumpkin and sunflower seeds for added flavor and do you add whole chia seeds or should I grind them? Thank you.
Ela
Hey Liz, you can totally toast the seeds and add more whole chia seeds (I didn’t grind them). 🙂
Sarah
Tastes delicious!
I only found crushed flaxseeds instead of “flaxseed powder”(?), so i used this. But instead of whole physillum i used physillum powder, so everything was fine after all xD
And i havent got a pan, so i baked it naked. It worked very fine.
I sliced it while it was still warm and it already tastes delicious. I will do this recept again 🙂
Christiaan
Great loaf! I came across a similar recipe via the ZOE health podcast..
Any idea if the vinegar does anything besides alter the taste?
I was also thinking of using almond meal to help bind it too. Any thoughts?
Ela
Hi, it’s mainly for the taste. I sometimes add a little baking soda which makes the bread a little fluffier (in combination with the vinegar).
Linda
I’d like to make this but I’ve never bought psyllium before. I noticed it comes as powder and whole. Which is the better option? And does the whole get crushed before using?
Ela
I used whole psyllium for this recipe. Both work, though, if using metric measurements. 🙂
Kris
Hi! I am so happy I made this because it’s AMAZING!!! I used One Degree’s Sprouted Steel Cut Oats b/c that’s the bag I had open and it turned out great. Next time I’ll use rolled oats to compare just for curiosity but man, is this good! I’ll have to freeze a few slices for that comparison test bc I can tell this won’t last long 😉 It’s so so so so so good! I prepped and baked it the night before I intended to serve it, sliced it up in the morning (15 perfectly portioned slices), and when I served it with dinner I chucked 2 slices in my air fryer for 6 minutes at 340F, then flipped over and went another round of 2 minutes at 400F. A perfectly dense/moist interior with a little extra crunch on the exterior. I had it alone and it was wonderful, tonight I’ll try it with some macadamia nut herbed “goat” cheese! Thank you Ela for sharing this!!!!!
Monica
This recipe is excellent. So easy and yummy. I love it. A million thanks!
Mary
I just ate the first slice of my oatmeal seed bread — wonderful flavor and texture, and so healthful! Thank you for making bread recipes using ingredients I can tolerate.
Ela
You are very welcome. 🙂
D
What size tin loaf pan to use? Thank you!
Ela
8-inch or you can skip the loaf pan and just shape it as you wish. 🙂
Mel
Added 1 cup dried cranberries this time and what a surprising delicious change. The taste was much better than just the plain seed loaf. Will definitely make again with the cranberries.
Ela
Sounds great! Will need to try it. 🙂
Tracey Keating
Wow! Yummy! Thanks so much for this recipe. I didnt realize that I was supposed to use “regular” psyllium rather than powder, so I used the full 1/3 cup and it came out fine i think. Do you still recommend reducing it to 30 grams on my next loaf? Thanks!
Ela
Hi Tracey, you can use psyllium husk powder, but always use metric measurements for exact results. I am glad it still came out delicious.
Tracey Keating
Thanks Ela, love it!
Laurie Hoffman
Love it! Added green 🫒 olives. Delicious. Hearty. Filling. Substantial. Yum!
Ela
So glad you liked it, Laurie. Adding green olives sounds yummy. 🙂
Julie
Yum
Patty S
Great recipe can you substitute lemon juice for the apple cider vinegar?
Ela
Yes, that’s fine. 🙂
GF Lover
Hi there
I still react to oats so avoid. Is there a replacement I can use for the rolled oats?
Ela
Hi, you can use buckwheat flakes or quinoa flakes instead of oats. 🙂
Deb
Mine came out pretty flat but the flavor is nice. Next time I will put it in the mini-loaf pans. Oh, the only change I made was adding a T of date powder.
Ela
It always depends on the size of your loaf pan. I mentioned that twice in the post. You can even bake it without a pan and shape it however you want. 🙂
Mavil
Hi, this looks yummy! Is there any replacement for psyllium husks? Thanks
Ela
Hey, not really. You could try using ground chia seeds, but they don’t bind as good as psyllium husks.
Michelle Lepore
This recipe looks wonderful. Can you substitute with rice flour? Unfortunately, even GF oat flour does not agree with me.
Ela
Hi Michelle, you could use buchwheat flakes or quinoa flakes. 🙂
Marleen
hello,
can i replace the flaxseeds with some other seeds?
thank you!
marleen
Ela
You could use ground chia seeds. 🙂
E C Nielsen
Forgive me, at the beginning of your recipe it says there’s a video for making this extraordinary seed bread! Where is the link for that please?? I’ve looked and looked and can’t see it…. (I’m an elder and not on Pinterest…)
Ela
Hello, you can see the videos quite at the beginning of the post (shortly after the first picture). It will show for 25 seconds, then the player will ask you “NEXT” or “STAY”. If you do not click on “STAY”, the next video in the playlist will start to play. To watch the video, just click on “STAY”. Or refresh the page, and it will start playing again. I hope this helps!
PS: You’ll only see videos if you don’t use an ad blocker.
birgit brabetz
should the loaf cool in the pan or on a wire rack only in the baking paper ?
Ela
It’s best to let it cool on a wire rack. 🙂
Jess
Can you use psyllium husk powder?
Ela
Yes, but please follow the metric measurements and use 30 grams. 🙂