Quick bread is a marvel of baking, offering an impressive array of flavors and types, all from a single, simple recipe. Whether you’re craving something sweet like banana bread, something spiced like pumpkin, or even a savory twist, this recipe adapts to fit your mood and pantry. Perfect for anyone who loves the aroma of freshly baked bread but doesn’t want the hassle of complex baking techniques. With this adaptable recipe, the possibilities are as boundless as your imagination.
Why You’ll Love Quick Bread
- Simple Ingredients: Common pantry staples are all you need.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite fruits or nuts.
- No Yeast: Forget complicated rising times.
- Kid-Friendly: Loved by all ages, a sure-hit at home.
- Quick to Prepare: Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Quick Bread Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Melted Butter/Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and tender texture. Substitute with plant-based butter or a neutral flavored oil.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure. Substitute with a plant-based commercial egg product.
- Leavening Agents: Baking soda and powder help the bread rise.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread. Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have found that a blend of baking soda and baking powder is best in this recipe.ย We do not recommend substituting to only use one or the other. Be sure to add both!
The best egg substitute that wonโt change the flavor or texture of quick bread is a commercial egg-replacement product. You should be able to find this near the eggs or in your storeโs refrigerated plant-based section.
If you have a well-liked and tested preferred egg substitute, go ahead and use it!
Yes, but it may result in a denser bread. Rather than using 100% whole wheat flour, we’d recommend swapping out only half of the flour in this recipe for whole wheat. This will give you some of that whole-grain goodness without compromising on texture.
Yes, but it will affect the sweetness and texture.
Certainly! Bake the batter in muffin tins for quick bread muffins. Adjust the oven temperature to 375 degrees F, and bake for approximately 20 minutes. This is a great option for individual servings that are easy to share and enjoy.
Flavors and Add-ins
There are so many different flavor options out there, you canโt go wrong! However, some of our favorite quick bread flavors are:
Banana Bread
- Key Ingredient: Overripe, freshly mashed bananas.
- Flavor Enhancers: Ground cinnamon adds warmth.
- Texture Twist: Chopped walnuts for crunch.
The riper the banana, the sweeter and more pronounced the flavor.
Pumpkin Bread
- Key Ingredient: Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix).
- Spice it Up: Use pumpkin pie spice for a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Fun Add-In: Chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Apple Bread
- Key Ingredient: Any variety of applesauce.
- Sweetness Swap: Brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Flavor Profile: Ground cinnamon for classic warmth.
- Flour Mix: Blend of 1/2 cup whole wheat flour with 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- Extra Texture: Diced or dried apples.
Blueberry Lemon Bread
- Berry Addition: Fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon zest for a tangy twist.
- Sweet Glaze: Lemon juice and powdered sugar glaze.
Coat blueberries in flour to prevent sinking.
Chocolate Chip Bread
- Sweet Chunks: Generous amounts of chocolate chips.
- Rich Flavor: A hint of vanilla extract.
- Moisture Tip: Sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tenderness.
- Optional: Nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture.
Zucchini Bread
- Veggie Twist: Grated zucchini for moisture and nutrition.
- Flavor Depth: A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Nutty Addition: Walnuts or pecans.
- Sweet Touch: Raisins or dried cranberries.
Carrot Bread
- Veggie Base: Finely grated carrots.
- Spice Blend: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Extra Texture: Chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- Frosting Option: Cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Cranberry Orange Bread
- Fruit Mix: Dried or fresh cranberries.
- Citrus Burst: Orange zest and juice.
- Sweet Glaze: Orange juice and powdered sugar.
- Texture Play: Chopped nuts for crunch.
Troubleshooting
- Bread too dense? Ensure not to overmix the batter.
- Cracking on top? That’s normal! It adds to its rustic charm.
- Bread sinking in the middle? Check if your leavening agents are fresh.
- Too dry? Add a bit more fruit puree next time.
Tips From the Chef
- Use ripe fruits for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Donโt over-mix โ mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Quick Bread Readiness Indicators
- Color: Golden brown crust.
- Texture: Firm to the touch.
- Aroma: A sweet, baked smell should emanate.
- Toothpick Test: Comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
Fridge Storage
- Cool and Wrap: After cooling, wrap the bread as mentioned above.
- Refrigerate: Place it in the refrigerator, keeping it in an airtight container.
- Duration: In the fridge, quick bread can last up to a week.
Refrigeration can sometimes dry out the bread, so it’s often better to store it at room temperature unless the ingredients used are prone to spoilage.
Freezer Storage
- Cool Completely: Ensure the bread is entirely cool.
- Double Wrap: First, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or wrap it again with a second layer of foil. This double wrapping guards against freezer burn and taste transfer.
- Label and Date: Label the package with the type of bread and the date of freezing.
- Freeze: Quick bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also gently warm it in the oven or toaster if you prefer it warm.
More Quick Bread Recipes
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and weโve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Thank you for this easy banana bread recipe! We enjoyed it tremendously.
Love your recipes and videos.