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Marathon Bread
For athletes, runners, and active individuals, Marathon Bread is the perfect choice for sustained energy. Packed with whole grains, seeds, and natural sweetness, this homemade bread provides long-lasting fuel. Unlike store-bought energy bars, this bread is free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. Let's bake a loaf of nutritious, hearty bread that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or pre-run fuel!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup flaxseeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- ½ cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, salt, cinnamon, and yeast.
- Add warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil. Stir until the mixture starts forming a dough.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruit.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel.
- Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Serve & Store
- Slice and enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage and toast slices before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- For extra protein, add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients.
- Prefer a softer texture? Substitute 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
- Make it nut-free by using extra seeds instead of chopped nuts.
- Boost sweetness with a drizzle of honey or nut butter on each slice.
- Perfect for meal prep, slice and freeze individual portions for quick grab-and-go snacks.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Store-Bought Energy Bread | Homemade Marathon Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g | 5g |
| Protein | 6g | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g | 5g |
| Sugar | 8g | 4g |
Conclusion
Homemade Marathon Bread is the ultimate energy-packed, nutritious loaf that fuels your body naturally. Whether you're a runner, fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a hearty and delicious bread, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and let us know how it turned out!
