We’ve fallen in love with Dave’s Killer Bread for its bold flavors and nutrient-packed goodness, and now we’re bringing that vibe straight to your kitchen with our easy bread machine recipe. It’s a homemade twist on the iconic brand that lets you whip up hearty loaves packed with seeds and whole grains without the fuss.
This recipe captures the essence of what makes Dave’s Killer Bread a favorite—think chewy texture and a satisfying crunch—while fitting seamlessly into your busy routine. We’ll guide you through simple steps to create bakery-quality bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
In our quest to replicate the bold, nutrient-packed flavors of Dave’s Killer Bread using a bread machine, we select high-quality ingredients that deliver hearty whole grains, seeds, and a satisfying crunch. These components ensure a loaf that’s not only easy to prepare but also rich in texture and nutrition.
To assemble your ingredients, follow the order for adding them to the bread machine pan—starting with liquids, followed by dry items, and ending with yeast for optimal rising.
- Water: 1 1/4 cups lukewarm (helps activate the yeast and creates a moist dough base).
- Honey or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons (adds natural sweetness and aids in browning for that signature Dave’s Killer Bread flavor).
- Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: 2 tablespoons (provides moisture and helps achieve a soft, chewy crumb).
- Whole wheat flour: 2 cups (forms the nutritious foundation with fiber-rich grains for a hearty texture).
- Bread flour: 1 cup (boosts gluten development for better rise and structure in the loaf).
- Old-fashioned oats: 1/2 cup (infuses extra whole grains for chewiness and sustained energy).
- Sunflower seeds: 1/4 cup (delivers a crunchy element and healthy fats, key to the iconic seed-packed profile).
- Flaxseeds: 2 tablespoons ground (enhances omega-3 content and adds a nutty depth without overpowering).
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons (balances flavors and regulates yeast activity for even baking).
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (ensures a strong, reliable rise when added last).
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the mixing and baking process, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand to transform our nutrient-packed ingredients—like whole wheat flour, oats, and seeds—into a hearty loaf of Dave’s Killer Bread-inspired goodness. Having the proper equipment not only simplifies the bread machine process but also guarantees consistent results every time we bake.
We recommend the following essential items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Bread Machine: Our primary tool for this recipe, as it handles kneading, rising, and baking with minimal effort. Opt for a model with at least a 1- to 2-pound loaf capacity to accommodate the dough’s volume and achieve that signature chewy texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors and textures, so use a set of dry measuring cups for ingredients like flour and oats, and liquid measuring cups for water and oil. Precision here ensures the dough rises perfectly without becoming too sticky or dry.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: For ingredients where weight matters, such as flour or seeds, a digital scale provides exact measurements. This tool helps avoid common pitfalls like over-flouring, which can affect the loaf’s density.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy silicone spatula works wonders for gently incorporating dry ingredients like sunflower seeds and flaxseeds into the wet mixture before adding to the bread machine pan.
If you’re new to bread making, here’s a quick comparison of how these tools impact your baking efficiency:
| Equipment | Key Benefit | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Machine | Automates the process | 1-2 pound capacity |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensures accuracy | Set with both dry and liquid options |
| Digital Kitchen Scale | Provides precise weights | Accuracy to 1 gram |
| Mixing Spoon/Spatula | Aids in even mixing | Heat-resistant, flexible material |
With these tools assembled, we’re all set to move seamlessly from preparing our ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, making homemade bread as straightforward as possible.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients measured and our equipment prepared, let’s walk through the step-by-step process for creating our homemade Dave’s Killer Bread recipe. We’ll ensure each stage is straightforward and yields a loaf with that signature chewy texture and nutty crunch.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we start, it’s essential to prepare our ingredients accurately to activate the flavors and nutrients in this Dave’s Killer Bread recipe. Begin by measuring all components precisely using our recommended tools.
- Gather and measure liquids: Pour 1 ¼ cups of lukewarm water (around 110°F) into a bowl, then stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of vegetable or coconut oil to create a smooth, sweet base that will nourish the yeast.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, 1 ½ cups of bread flour, ½ cup of old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Use a spoon to blend them evenly, ensuring the seeds and grains distribute for that hearty, nutrient-packed bite.
- Prepare the yeast: Measure 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and set it aside in a small dish, keeping it dry until the final addition to promote optimal rising.
Add Ingredients to the Bread Machine
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll add them to the bread machine in the correct order to prevent clumping and ensure even mixing for our Dave’s Killer Bread.
Follow these steps for a seamless process:
- Add liquids first: Pour the lukewarm water mixture into the bread machine pan to form a moist foundation that helps hydrate the flours.
- Layer dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour mixture evenly over the liquids, covering them completely to avoid direct contact with the yeast and maintain rise integrity.
- Top with yeast: Gently place the active dry yeast in a small well on top of the dry ingredients, ensuring it doesn’t touch any liquids initially for controlled activation.
This method guarantees a well-mixed dough with the rich, seedy texture that defines Dave’s Killer Bread.
Select the Cycle
Once the ingredients are in the pan, selecting the right cycle on our bread machine is key to achieving the perfect bake for this Dave’s Killer Bread recipe.
- Choose the appropriate setting: Opt for the whole wheat or basic cycle, which typically lasts 3 to 4 hours depending on your machine’s model, to allow for thorough kneading and rising.
- Adjust for loaf size: Set the machine to a 1.5- or 2-pound loaf option based on your pan capacity, and select a medium crust setting for that satisfying crunch without over-browning.
| Cycle Type | Duration (Hours) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat | 3.5–4 | Enhanced grain flavor |
| Basic | 3–3.5 | Standard hearty texture |
Bake and Cool
As the machine runs, our Dave’s Killer Bread will bake to golden perfection, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm grains and seeds.
- Start the bake: Close the lid and press start to begin the cycle, monitoring initially to ensure even mixing—expect the dough to form a cohesive ball within the first 10 minutes.
- Check for doneness: Once the cycle ends, the loaf should reach an internal temperature of 190–200°F; use a thermometer to confirm, then carefully remove the pan and let the bread rest for 10 minutes in the machine for easier release.
- Cool completely: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing, allowing the crust to crisp and the interior to set for that chewy, flavorful experience we love in Dave’s Killer Bread.
Make-Ahead Tips
To help us streamline our bread-making routine while capturing the hearty, seed-packed essence of Dave’s Killer Bread, we can prepare elements in advance for fresh, flavorful results every time. These strategies ensure that our homemade loaves retain their chewy texture and satisfying crunch, even on the busiest days.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend measuring and prepping ingredients the night before to save time. Start by combining dry components like whole wheat flour, bread flour, old-fashioned oats, sunflower seeds, ground flaxseeds, and salt in a sealed container. This keeps them fresh and ready, preventing any last-minute rushes. For liquids, mix lukewarm water, honey or maple syrup, and vegetable or coconut oil in a separate jar and refrigerate it—use it straight from the fridge, but let it warm slightly to avoid shocking the yeast.
Dough Preparation and Storage
If we want to get a head start on the dough, we can mix the ingredients in our bread machine pan up to 24 hours in advance. After adding the liquids, dry ingredients, and active dry yeast in the proper order, run the machine on a dough cycle without baking. Once complete, remove the dough, shape it lightly, and store it in an oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This chilling process enhances the flavors, giving our loaf that bold, nutty profile reminiscent of Dave’s Killer Bread. When ready, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before restarting the baking cycle.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
For batch baking, we can freeze unbaked or baked loaves to maintain convenience. Here’s a quick guide:
- Unbaked Dough: Shape the dough into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Baked Loaf: Cool the fully baked bread completely, slice it if desired, and wrap portions in freezer-safe bags. It keeps for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw slices in the toaster for a crispy, warm revival or the whole loaf at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
| Make-Ahead Option | Storage Method | Duration | Thawing/Baking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients Mix | Sealed container | Up to 1 week | Use directly; no thawing needed |
| Liquid Mixture | Refrigerated jar | Up to 3 days | Let warm to room temperature |
| Unbaked Dough | Refrigerated or frozen | 24 hours (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) | Rise for 30-60 minutes before baking |
| Baked Loaf | Frozen in bags | Up to 3 months | Thaw and toast for best texture |
By incorporating these Make-Ahead Tips, we ensure our Dave’s Killer Bread machine recipe stays effortless and delicious, allowing us to savor its nutrient-rich flavors whenever we need a quick, wholesome meal.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on Dave’s Killer Bread in your own kitchen, blending ease with nutritious goodness. It’s a simple way to bring hearty, seed-packed loaves into our daily routines, capturing that signature chew and flavor without the store-bought hassle.
As we wrap up, we’re confident you’ll find joy in baking your own. Experiment with tweaks to make it yours, and savor the fresh results that fit right into our busy lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspires this homemade bread machine recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Dave’s Killer Bread, known for its bold flavors, nutritious seeds, and whole grains. It makes it easy to create hearty, chewy loaves at home with simple ingredients, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
What are the key ingredients for this Dave’s Killer Bread-inspired loaf?
You’ll need lukewarm water, honey or maple syrup, vegetable or coconut oil, whole wheat flour, bread flour, oats, sunflower seeds, ground flaxseeds, salt, and active dry yeast. These ingredients deliver a rich texture and nutrient-packed flavor for a bakery-quality result.
How do I prepare and add ingredients to the bread machine?
Start by measuring liquids like water, honey, and oil into the pan first, followed by dry ingredients such as flours, oats, seeds, and salt. Add yeast last on top to ensure proper rising. Use accurate measurements for the best mix.
What equipment is needed to make this bread?
You’ll need a 1- to 2-pound capacity bread machine, measuring cups and spoons, a digital kitchen scale, and a mixing spoon. These tools help ensure precise measurements and even mixing for consistent, high-quality loaves.
Which bread machine cycle should I use for this recipe?
Select the whole wheat or basic cycle for optimal results, as it allows for proper kneading and rising. This typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your machine, to achieve the chewy texture of Dave’s Killer Bread.
How do I bake and cool the bread properly?
Monitor the dough during the cycle, and check for doneness by tapping for a hollow sound or using a thermometer (internal temp around 190°F). Once baked, remove the loaf and cool on a rack for at least 1 hour to set the texture and enhance flavor.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients the night before by measuring dry components and mixing liquids. You can mix the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze baked loaves for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for fresh-tasting bread with minimal effort.