Oatmeal Sesame Bread

This bread machine loaf combines oats, sesame seeds, and whole wheat flour for a nutty, multigrain bread with a soft crumb and a hint of cinnamon sweetness. Applesauce replaces the butter or oil you’d find in most recipes, adding moisture and a barely-there fruitiness.

The sesame seeds do a lot of work here. They add a toasty, nutty flavor throughout the bread and a slight crunch that contrasts with the soft oat texture. Combined with the whole wheat flour and rolled oats, you get a bread that’s hearty without being dense or heavy.

Brown sugar and cinnamon keep the sweetness subtle. This isn’t a dessert bread. It’s the kind of loaf that works equally well for a morning slice of toast with butter or an afternoon sandwich.

Kitchen Tips

• Use room-temperature water. Cold water slows the yeast, and hot water kills it. Lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C), is the sweet spot.
• Add ingredients in the order your bread machine manual recommends. Some machines want liquids first, others want dry ingredients first.
• Check the dough ball during the first knead. It should be smooth and slightly tacky. Too dry means add water a tablespoon at a time; too sticky means add flour.
• The applesauce adds moisture, so the loaf may need a minute or two longer than usual. Most machines adjust automatically.

Variations

• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before adding for a more pronounced nutty flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of flax seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Replace the cinnamon with cardamom for a Scandinavian-inspired twist.