10 Quick Bread Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour

Introduction

Craving homemade bread but short on time? Quick breads are your solution! Unlike traditional yeast breads, quick breads don’t require hours of kneading and rising. They’re leavened with baking powder or baking soda, making the process much faster and easier. These versatile recipes are perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers who want to enjoy delicious bread without the wait. Let’s explore ten mouth-watering quick bread recipes that can be ready in less than an hour. Quick Bread Recipes

What is Quick Bread?

Quick bread is a type of bread that uses chemical leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast. This means there’s no need for a lengthy rising process or extensive kneading. Quick breads can be both sweet or savory, offering endless possibilities for different flavors and ingredients, from fruits and nuts to cheese and spices.

Advantages of Making Quick Bread

Why opt for quick bread over traditional yeast bread? Here are some compelling reasons:

• Time-Efficiency: Quick breads can typically be made from start to finish in under an hour.
• No Special Tools Required: All you need is a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan.
• Beginner-Friendly: Quick breads are straightforward to make, making them perfect for beginners.
• Versatility: They can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.

Key Tips for Perfect Quick Bread Every Time

Fresh Ingredients Matter

Always check the expiration date on your baking soda or baking powder. Fresh leavening agents ensure your bread rises properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

Mix with Care

Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined, even if the batter appears slightly lumpy.

Prepare Your Pan Properly

Ready your loaf pan by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan once it’s baked.

Test for Doneness Correctly

Test the loaf by inserting a toothpick into its center. It’s ready when the toothpick comes out clean or with minimal crumbs. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

Quick Bread Recipe #1: Classic Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until combined.
3. Stir in the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
6. Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes to cool, then move it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Quick Bread Recipe #2: Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the grated zucchini.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Test the bread’s doneness with a toothpick; it should come out free of batter.
6. Cool the bread in the pan for approximately 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Quick Bread Recipe #3: Lemon Blueberry Bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a different bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy
4. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.

Quick Bread Recipe #4: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and sugar until well blended.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together until they are just mixed. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Fill the prepared loaf pan with batter and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.

Quick Bread Recipe #5: Apple Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups diced apples

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring until they are just mixed together. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing.

Quick Bread Recipe #6: Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, blend together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, vigorously mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.

Quick Bread Recipe #7: Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface.
4. Shape the dough into a round loaf and position it on a baking sheet. Score the top with a knife by making a cross.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.

Quick Bread Recipe #8: Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk orange juice, oil, and egg. Combine with dry ingredients.
4. Fold in cranberries, pour into the pan, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Quick Bread Recipe #9: Coconut Lime Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine coconut milk, oil, eggs, and lime zest.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture, then fold in shredded coconut.
5. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Quick Bread Recipe #10: Garlic Herb Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon mixed herbs (like rosemary, thyme, parsley)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
3. Whisk milk, melted butter, and egg in another bowl.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Fold in cheese and herbs.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

Quick breads offer a fantastic way to bake fresh, homemade bread without the hassle of yeast and long rising times. These recipes are straightforward, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making breakfast, a snack, or a side dish for dinner. Try these quick bread recipes, and you’ll have delicious, freshly baked bread in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze quick bread?
   Yes, quick bread can be frozen. Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag.Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
2. How do I store quick bread?
   Store quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator or freezer.
3. Is it possible to use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may make the bread denser. A good option is to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
4. Can these recipes be made vegan?
   Many of these quick bread recipes can be made vegan by using plant-based milk, egg substitutes (such as flax eggs), and non-dairy butter or oil.
5. What should I do if my quick bread turns out too dense?
   A dense texture can result from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder or baking soda. Make sure to use fresh leavening agents and mix the batter until just combined.