Baking bread can be complicated. Between using the right kind of yeast and the proofing process, it’s no surprise that most people don’t want to bake bread at home. But, if you’re looking to bake homemade bread, a quick bread recipe might just be an option for you. That’s because they bake in no time and don’t require yeast or extra proofing. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, quick breads are easy for anyone to prepare no matter their baking skill level.
Whether it’s sweet or savory, a quick bread only needs a few things to be successful. Simply put, you’ll need just a few ingredients and a little bit of time. And, that’s it! But, sometimes baking disasters happen -- even with simple recipes. Here are a few of our best tips for baking the perfect the perfect quick bread.
It might seem like a good idea to look for an elaborate bread recipe to wow your friends and family with. But, when it comes to quick bread baking, simple really is best. That’s because quick breads really only need a few ingredients. Anything complicated can affect bake and rise time. Look for recipes that are easy to follow and use minimal ingredients. If you’re not sure what recipe to use, you can find a lot of quick bread recipes online at websites like King Arthur Flour to get you started.
Quick breads come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re preparing a bread for a large dinner party or special occasion, a large loaf might be the way to go. But, if you’re giving quick breads as a gift or preparing for a party or potluck, consider making mini bread loaves too. You can find a variety of pan sizes for large and small quick breads. This includes both disposable and washable pans too. And, if you’re planning for a special occasion, you can even mix and match sizes too.
Like baking a loaf of yeasted bread, you’ll want to make sure you prepare your pans for baking. That includes using a baking spray, buttering the pan, or even using shortening to grease the pan before baking. This will help ensure your quick bread doesn’t stick to the pan. Always double-check your recipe recommendations before you prepare your pan too. That way, you don’t end up with an overly greasy bread or one that sticks to the pan.
No matter what quick bread recipe you follow, you’ll want to make sure you use fresh ingredients. This is even more important in quick bread recipes that rely on other ingredients instead of yeast to make the bread rise. While it may seem like flours, baking powder, baking soda, and other ingredients can last a long time, they actually can lose their potency. And some ingredients, like flour, can go rancid. This is especially true if you’re using alternative flours, like nut flours. When in doubt, use fresh ingredients whenever possible and don’t keep certain baking ingredients for longer than a year. You’ll also want to make sure you use fresh eggs, milk, and butter too for the best baking results.
Quick breads can easily be made sweet or savory with just a few simple modifications. Experimenting with both sweet and savory bread options is a great way to perfect your quick bread baking skills and try out lots of different options. Sweet savory breads, like a lemon tea cake, can be perfect for a brunch or holiday. Savory quick breads, like Irish soda bread, are excellent additions to a weeknight dinner. Both types of quick breads are easy to make and make the perfect accompaniment to just about any occasion.
Whatever type of quick bread you’re baking, consider adding in mix-in ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts. Adding in mix-in ingredients is just another way to customize your quick breads. Of course, any mix-in ingredients you use can affect the texture and overall baking time for a quick bread. So, you’ll want to make sure you don’t use too many mix-in ingredients in a bread recipe to avoid a baking disaster. If you add mix-in ingredients, be sure to double-check recipes and any baking notes you might have before incorporating into the final product.
One of the biggest baking challenges is overfilling a baking pan. Fill a tin too full and your quick bread will overflow and stick to the pan. Under-fill it, and you have a small, dense (and possibly overcooked) quick bread. Most quick bread recipes recommend that you fill your pan about ⅔ to ¾ of the way full to ensure a perfectly portioned and well-baked loaf of bread.
No matter the type of quick bread you’re baking or the size of the baking pan you’re using, you’ll want to make sure you adjust your bake time accordingly. That’s because quick breads can have varying baking times depending on the ingredients and size of pan you’re using. Do be sure to keep a close eye on your quick bread’s baking time, especially if it’s the first time you’re baking a specific quick bread recipe.
One of the biggest challenges in quick bread baking is an uneven bake. That’s because most quick bread tops tend to bake faster than the middle of the bread -- which can be thick and dense. In addition to keeping a close eye on your overall baking time, do make sure that your bread top isn’t over-baking and getting burnt. If it looks like the top of your quick bread is baking too quickly for the rest of the loaf, you can cover it with aluminum foil to help avoid it from burning.
Whether sweet or savory, be sure to let your bread cool completely. Even though quick breads don’t contain yeast, they can still be slightly gummy in texture if they are cut too soon after baking. Let your quick bread cool completely for the best results. This is especially true if you’re using any icing or glaze on sweet quick breads.
Add a bit of moisture or extra sweetness to your sweet quick breads by incorporating a glaze or simple icing. This addition can take a sweet quick bread from boring to special with minimal effort. Many sweet quick bread recipes will provide directions for a simple glaze. Or, you can mix and match an easy icing or glaze recipe you like a lot too.
When it comes to baking bread, you don’t need to be a bread baking expert to bake a beautiful and tasty loaf. Quick breads are one of the easiest ways to baking homemade bread at home without a lot of fuss or complicated preparation. They’re also great for every skill level and perfect for all ages too. With just a few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to baking batches of quick breads for every occasion. Want to include a custom handwritten card to compliment your homemade quick bread? Check out HeartSpace Cards for unique greeting cards that are the perfect accompaniment for your next special occasion.
