Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf Recipe

This homemade farmhouse loaf is soft inside with a golden crust, made with flaxseed, oats, and sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving with soup. Easy to make, this healthy seeded bread stays fresh for days and can be frozen for later. A must-try rustic bread recipe for any home baker!

Ingredients Needed

• ⅓ cup (40g) flaxseed
• 1⅔ cups (150g) rolled oats
• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons (300ml) boiling water
• 3½ cups (450g) bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons (115g) whole wheat bread flour
• ⅓ cup (55g) sunflower seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 × ¼-ounce (7g) fast-acting dried yeast
• 1⅓–1½ cups (about 350ml) warm water

To Finish:

• Milk (for glazing)
• A few rolled oats (for topping)

How To Make Mary Berry Farmhouse Loaf

1. Prepare the Oat Mixture: In a bowl, combine the flaxseed and rolled oats. Pour in the boiling water and mix well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb and cool slightly.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the bread flour, whole wheat bread flour, sunflower seeds, salt, yeast, and warm water to the oat mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and knead for a few minutes. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a round loaf.
5. Proof the Loaves: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the loaves on the sheet, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
6. Bake the Loaves: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the loaves with milk and sprinkle with rolled oats. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips

• To make one large loaf, shape the dough into a single round and bake for a few extra minutes.
• For extra crunch, add more sunflower seeds on top before baking.
• Store in an airtight container to keep fresh for longer.

How To Store This Farmhouse Loaf

Storing at Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storing in the Fridge: Keep in a sealed bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices before serving.

Freezing: Wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry White Cottage Loaf
• Mary Berry Hot Cross Bun Loaf
• Seeded Granary Bread