If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, wholesome bread that feels like a warm Irish hug, this Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Soft, moist, and wonderfully dense, this loaf brings together simple ingredients into a naturally gluten-free delight that’s perfect right out of the oven or toasted the next day. It’s great for those who want a hearty bread without flour, and its subtle sweetness from molasses adds just the right depth of flavor. Whether you’re pairing it with a bowl of vegetable soup or spreading on a pat of creamy butter, this is a recipe you’ll be making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe uses a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a loaf bursting with texture and flavor. Each ingredient serves a special role, from the hearty oats providing structure to the molasses adding a touch of traditional Irish sweetness.
- Rolled oats (4 cups / 14 oz / 397 g): Ground into oat flour, these oats bring fiber and a slightly nutty texture to your bread.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Works as the rising agent, ensuring your loaf gets a nice lift without yeast.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough and adds richness and moisture.
- Plain whole milk yogurt (2 ¼ cups / 18 oz / 507 g): Adds moistness and a subtle tang, making the crumb tender.
- Molasses (1 tablespoon): A classic Irish ingredient that gives a warm, deep sweetness and a beautiful color to the bread.
How to Make Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch (23×12½ cm) loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper for easy release. Setting this up first means you’ll be ready to bake your batter as soon as it’s mixed, so no waiting around.
Step 2: Grind the Oats Into Flour
Place the rolled oats in a food processor and pulse for 20 to 30 seconds until they turn into a fine oat flour. This step is key because it gives your bread that smooth, soft crumb without any added flour, keeping it naturally gluten-free.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Transfer your freshly ground oat flour to a large bowl, then mix in the baking soda and salt. Tossing these dry ingredients ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed so your bread rises uniformly.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, whole milk yogurt, and molasses together until fully blended. The yogurt and egg add moisture and structure, while the molasses brings a wonderfully rich flavor characteristic of Irish breads.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry oat ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable, so make sure to evenly spread it into your prepared loaf pan with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Slide the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking is truly irresistible.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting step helps the bread set and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
How to Serve Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is a treat all on its own, but adding a generous pat of creamy Irish butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate every bite. A sprinkle of oats on top before baking can add a lovely rustic appearance and extra texture that impresses at the table.
Side Dishes
Flourless Irish Oat Bread pairs beautifully with hearty vegetable soups or creamy stews, thanks to its moist, dense crumb. It’s also perfect alongside a fresh salad or served with a selection of cheeses for a simple yet satisfying snack or light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special breakfast or snack, toast slices lightly and spread with nut butters, fruit preserves, or even avocado smashed with a sprinkle of sea salt. Cut into cubes for a delightful bread pudding or crumble into yogurt for a crunchy topping that adds wholesome goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you ever have leftovers from this Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe (which might be rare!), keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to four days, maintaining its soft texture and flavor.
Freezing
To store longer, slice your bread and place the pieces in a freezer bag or container. It freezes wonderfully for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy this wholesome bread anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat frozen slices by toasting or warming them in the oven at a low temperature until they’re heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. This bread tends to come back to life beautifully with just a little heat, perfect for a quick wholesome snack.
FAQs
Is this Flourless Irish Oat Bread truly gluten-free?
While oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, it’s important to use certified gluten-free oats if you have serious gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I substitute the yogurt in the recipe?
Plain whole milk yogurt is recommended for moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with a dairy-free yogurt if needed to make the bread vegan or dairy-free, though texture may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, dark honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be as deep and rich as traditional molasses gives.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready. A nicely browned top is another good indicator.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds make wonderful additions to add crunch and extra nutrients. Stir them into the batter before baking for delicious variation.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe is a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to deliver comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every slice. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, sharing it with the people you love and savoring every bite.
Print
Flourless Irish Oat Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a soft, moist, and gluten-free Flourless Irish Oat Bread perfect for a wholesome snack or to accompany your favorite vegetable soup. This bread is easy to make, uses simple ingredients like rolled oats and yogurt, and bakes in under an hour, delivering a comforting homemade loaf with a slightly sweet hint of molasses.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups (14 oz / 397 g) rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 ¼ cups (18 oz / 507 g) plain whole milk yogurt
- 1 tablespoon molasses (treacle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line a 9×5-inch (23×12½ cm) loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make Oat Flour: Place the rolled oats into a food processor and pulse for 20 to 30 seconds until they become a coarse oat flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the oat flour into a large mixing bowl and add baking soda and salt. Toss well to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, plain whole milk yogurt, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the oat flour mixture and gently stir until fully incorporated into a thick batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the bread is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve and Store: Slice the bread and serve with Irish butter or your choice of spread. Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze it securely for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Notes
- This bread is naturally gluten-free as it uses only oats, but ensure you use certified gluten-free oats if you have gluten sensitivity.
- You can customize the bread by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the batter before baking for additional flavor and texture.
- Molasses adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor; you may substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Room temperature egg and yogurt help with better mixing and rising of the bread.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing will help maintain its structure and make slicing easier.
