Name: Oat & Quark Protein Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 100 g rolled oats; 100 g spelt flour, or substitute with wheat flour; 50 g almond flour, or replace with additional spelt flour; 15 g flaxseeds; 1 packet of baking powder; 1 egg; 250 g low-fat quark, or use skyr as an alternative; 1 tsp salt

In the search for a healthier, protein-rich alternative to traditional bread, this Oat & Quark Protein Bread recipe really stands out. It’s an incredibly simple yet nutritious solution for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without resorting to powders or supplements. Imagine biting into a loaf that is not only moist and filling but also loaded with the goodness of oats, spelt, and seeds. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, you’ll appreciate how quickly this bread comes together – no yeast, no long waiting times. Just a mix, a bake, and you’re ready to enjoy. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s versatile enough to pair with your sweet or savory toppings. Thanks to the creamy addition of quark or skyr, each slice is a delightful balance of flavor and health. Whether you’re looking to impress with a nutritious bread at a brunch or simplify your everyday meals, this protein-packed loaf is the way to go!

Why You’ll Love This Oat & Quark Protein Bread

High protein content courtesy of quark or skyr
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and spelt
Yeast-free & ready for your table in just 40 minutes
Delightfully moist, hearty, and versatile for various meals
Excellent for storing — stays fresh and is freezer-friendly

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this easy-to-follow recipe, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for a smooth cooking experience. Start by clearing your workspace. You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This recipe calls for basic kitchen equipment, making it accessible for any home cook. You’ll want your oven preheated to 170°C (340°F, fan mode), ensuring it’s ready as soon as your dough is formed. A wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for mixing the ingredients into the dough. For shaping the loaf, your hands will work best, but don’t forget to have a bit of water handy to prevent sticking. Finally, get a pastry brush if you have one, to gently coat your loaf with water before baking, which helps promote a golden-brown crust.

Ingredients

100 g rolled oats
100 g spelt flour, or substitute with wheat flour
50 g almond flour, or replace with additional spelt flour
15 g flaxseeds
1 packet of baking powder
1 egg
250 g low-fat quark, or use skyr as an alternative
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F, fan mode). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will make transferring your bread out of the oven hassle-free. This step will save you time in cleanup, so you can enjoy your bread sooner without the added stress of scraping the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 100 g of rolled oats with 100 g of spelt flour, 50 g of almond flour, 15 g of flaxseeds, one packet of baking powder, and a teaspoon of salt. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt through the dry ingredients. This evenness ensures that the loaf raises uniformly during baking, giving you a tender and airy crumb.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Using a separate bowl, whisk together 250 g of low-fat quark with one egg until smooth. The quark is the magic ingredient that brings moisture and protein to the bread, while the egg helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring your loaf doesn’t crumble apart.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or your hands as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. The dough should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf with your hands. To give it an extra touch and enhance its appearance, brush the top with a bit of water and sprinkle some additional oats or seeds on top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pop your loaf into the preheated oven and let it bake for around 35 minutes, or until you see a beautiful golden-brown surface. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing, ensuring the interior is set and not gummy.

Variations

Protein: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for additional crunch and protein.
Vegetables: Add finely grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrients.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet twist, or add herbs like dill or rosemary for a savory loaf.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature to achieve the best texture and crust.
The dough may seem slightly crumbly at first, but the baking process will set it properly.
Quark can vary in moisture content, so adjust by adding more flour or oats if needed.
Store your bread in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze it for several weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Top it with avocados and a poached egg for a healthy breakfast option.
Use it as the base for a nutritious open-faced sandwich by adding turkey slices, cheese, and fresh veggies.

Tips

If you’re not familiar with quark, it’s a type of fresh dairy product similar to cottage cheese or yoghurt, providing a rich source of protein.
Always use fresh baking powder to ensure that your bread rises correctly.
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain the texture and prevents crumbling.
Don’t hesitate to play with different seeds as toppings for varied flavors and textures.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 180 per slice
Protein: 8g per slice
Sodium: 180mg per slice

FAQs

Can I replace the quark with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute quark with skyr or even Greek yogurt, but ensure it is thick and similar in texture to quark.

Is there a gluten-free version of this bread?

Yes, replace the spelt flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

How do I store this bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze it for up to three months.

Can I add sugar for a sweeter version?

Yes, feel free to add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients to create a slightly sweeter bread.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Oat & Quark Protein Bread is an exceptional choice for those looking to maintain a healthy, protein-rich diet without sacrificing taste or convenience. The simplicity of this recipe is matched only by the delicious versatility of the finished loaf. It’s a bread that encourages creativity – from varying the ingredients to experimenting with toppings. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family or invite them to contribute their own variations and serving suggestions. Enjoy creating, baking, and savoring every slice!