Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread : How to Make It in 5 Easy Steps

If you’ve ever tasted homemade bread, you know that it’s in a league of its own. Sunflower pumpkin seed bread is no exception! This recipe combines the heartiness of whole wheat flour with the crunch and nutritional power of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, creating a loaf that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re a bread-baking novice or an experienced home baker, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a nutritious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a tasty snack.

But what really sets this sunflower pumpkin seed bread recipe apart is its ability to nourish your body while delivering a deliciously nutty flavor. With the right balance of seeds and whole grains, this bread provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a fantastic addition to your daily diet.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread

Main Ingredients

The beauty of this sunflower pumpkin seed bread recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups warm water: To activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
• 2 tsp active dry yeast: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise and gives it fluffiness.
• 2 tbsp honey (or sugar): A natural sweetener that helps to activate the yeast while adding a slight sweetness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the bread.
• 3 cups whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty, fiber-rich base for the bread.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the texture, making the bread light and fluffy.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup sunflower seeds: Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, these seeds provide a lovely crunch.
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds: High in zinc, protein, and healthy fats, they add an earthy flavor and crunch to the bread.
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional): Packed with omega-3s and fiber, chia seeds can be included for extra nutrition.
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional): Adds additional omega-3s, protein, and fiber, enhancing the overall health benefits.

Optional Ingredients

• Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries): Add sweetness and flavor variation.
• Herbs and spices (garlic, rosemary): A great option if you want to experiment with savory flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread

Making your own sunflower pumpkin seed bread is a rewarding process. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Step 1 – Activating the Yeast

Before you begin mixing your dough, it’s essential to activate the yeast. This process helps to ensure the bread rises properly.

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey (or sugar), and active dry yeast.
2. Stir the mixture gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. If your mixture becomes frothy, it means the yeast is active and ready to go.

Step 2 – Mixing the Dough

Now it’s time to combine the ingredients into a dough.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients along with olive oil.
3. Mix until everything comes together to form a dough.

Step 3 – Adding the Seeds

The next step is to fold in the sunflower and pumpkin seeds. These add texture, flavor, and loads of nutritional benefits to your bread.

1. Once your dough is combined, gently knead in the seeds. You can add chia seeds and flaxseeds at this stage as well.

Step 4 – Letting the Dough Rise

Allow the dough to rise and double in size.

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.

Step 5 – Shaping and Second Rise

After the first rise, it’s time to shape the dough into a loaf.

1. Punch the dough down gently to release any air bubbles.
2. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
3. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 6 – Baking the Bread

Preheat the oven and bake the bread until golden brown.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
3. The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 7 – Cooling and Slicing

Allow your bread to cool before slicing.

1. Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread

Creating the perfect loaf of sunflower pumpkin seed bread doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

Adjusting the Seed Ratio

Feel free to adjust the ratio of sunflower and pumpkin seeds depending on your taste. For a more pronounced nutty flavor, add extra pumpkin seeds, or for a lighter crunch, increase the sunflower seeds.

Making Your Bread Extra Soft

To make your bread extra soft and fluffy, ensure that you’re using enough water and oil. Don’t overwork the dough, and let it rise properly for the best texture.

Adding Flavor Variations

Experiment with adding garlic, rosemary, or even a handful of raisins to enhance the bread’s flavor profile.

Storing and Freezing Your Bread

If you’re not going to eat the bread right away, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices to enjoy later.

The Health Benefits of Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds in Bread

Incorporating sunflower and pumpkin seeds into this bread recipe not only boosts flavor but provides a wealth of nutritional benefits.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are loaded with Vitamin E, which is essential for skin health and acts as a powerful antioxidant. They’re also packed with magnesium, which promotes heart health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which supports immune function. They’re also rich in protein and healthy fats, making them a perfect addition to this fiber-rich bread recipe.

Common Questions About Making Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread

Can I Use Different Seeds in This Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute sunflower and pumpkin seeds with other seeds like sesame seeds or flaxseeds for a different flavor or texture.

Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat and all-purpose flours. Be sure to use a binding agent like xanthan gum for proper texture.

Why Is My Bread Not Rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Make sure the water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast.

Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread Serving Suggestions

Once your sunflower pumpkin seed bread is ready, you can enjoy it in various ways:

How to Serve This Bread

• Spread it with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam.
• Pair it with a hearty soup or stew for a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Bread

• Make croutons by cutting the bread into cubes, seasoning, and toasting.
• Use it in bread pudding or as a topping for casseroles.

Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread Recipe From DelishDish!

Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread Recipe: How to Make It in 5 Easy Steps

Recipe by Mary

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

150-180

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water: To activate the yeast and help the dough rise.

• 2 tsp active dry yeast: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise and gives it fluffiness.

• 2 tbsp honey (or sugar): A natural sweetener that helps to activate the yeast while adding a slight sweetness.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the bread.

• 3 cups whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty, fiber-rich base for the bread.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the texture, making the bread light and fluffy.

• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

• ½ cup sunflower seeds: Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, these seeds provide a lovely crunch.

• ½ cup pumpkin seeds: High in zinc, protein, and healthy fats, they add an earthy flavor and crunch to the bread.

• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional): Packed with omega-3s and fiber, chia seeds can be included for extra nutrition.

• 2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional): Adds additional omega-3s, protein, and fiber, enhancing the overall health benefits.

Directions

• Step 1 – Activating the Yeast
  Before you begin mixing your dough, it’s essential to activate the yeast. This process helps to ensure the bread rises properly.
  In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey (or sugar), and active dry yeast.
  Stir the mixture gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. If your mixture becomes frothy, it means the yeast is active and ready to go.
• Step 2 – Mixing the Dough
  Now it’s time to combine the ingredients into a dough.
  In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
  Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients along with olive oil.
  Mix until everything comes together to form a dough.
• Step 3 – Adding the Seeds
  The next step is to fold in the sunflower and pumpkin seeds. These add texture, flavor, and loads of nutritional benefits to your bread.
  Once your dough is combined, gently knead in the seeds. You can add chia seeds and flaxseeds at this stage as well
• Step 4 – Letting the Dough Rise
  Allow the dough to rise and double in size.
  Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
  Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
• Step 5 – Shaping and Second Rise
  After the first rise, it’s time to shape the dough into a loaf.
  Punch the dough down gently to release any air bubbles.
  Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  
• Step 6 – Baking the Bread
  Preheat the oven and bake the bread until golden brown.
  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
  The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Step 7 – Cooling and Slicing
  Allow your bread to cool before slicing.
  Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
  Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Conclusion: Why This Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread Recipe is a Must-Try

This sunflower pumpkin seed bread recipe is an excellent addition to any home baker’s repertoire. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or as a snack, this bread will keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.

(FAQs : About Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bread Recipe

1. Can I use other seeds instead of sunflower and pumpkin seeds?

Yes, you can replace sunflower and pumpkin seeds with other seeds such as sesame seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds according to your preferences.

2. Why is my bread not rising properly?

The reason could be inactive yeast or not providing a warm enough environment for the yeast to activate. Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm (about 110°F/45°C) and not hot, and that the ingredients are at room temperature.

3. How can I store sunflower pumpkin seed bread to keep it fresh?

To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it by slicing it and placing it in a freezer bag.

Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts and Baking Experience

We’d love to hear how your sunflower pumpkin seed bread turned out! Drop your comments below, share your variations, or let us know if you have any questions. Happy baking!

References

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