Grape Nuts & Grains Bread

This bread machine loaf gets its crunch and character from two unexpected additions: Grape Nuts cereal and a seven grain mix. The Grape Nuts don’t fully soften during baking, so you get tiny nuggets of crunch scattered throughout the crumb that make every slice interesting.

The seven grain mix adds a range of textures and a toasty, nutty depth that plain flour can’t touch. Together with a small amount of whole wheat flour, they give this bread real substance without making it heavy or dense.

Applesauce replaces most of the fat here. It keeps the crumb moist and adds a barely-there fruity sweetness that works alongside the honey. You won’t taste apple, but you’ll notice the bread stays soft longer than a typical lean loaf.

Pro Tips

• Don’t substitute quick oats or granola for the Grape Nuts. Their distinct crunch and malty wheat flavor are what make this bread unique
• The seven grain mix should go in dry, not cooked. It hydrates during the bread machine cycle and softens just enough to be chewy without being gritty
• Add ingredients in the order your machine recommends, typically liquids first
• This bread makes exceptional toast. The Grape Nuts re-crisp when toasted and the honey caramelizes slightly

Variations

• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries at the beep for a breakfast bread
• Swap the honey for maple syrup for a more autumnal flavor
• Increase the whole wheat flour to half a cup and reduce bread flour accordingly for a heartier loaf