When you need fresh bread fast—no yeast, no long rising times, and no complicated techniques—this 20-minute homemade bread is the perfect solution. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, soft, and tender loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. This recipe is ideal for busy mornings, last-minute meals, or whenever you want fresh bread without the wait.
Unlike traditional bread, this quick version uses baking powder instead of yeast, which eliminates the rising time entirely. The result is a beautifully soft loaf with a slightly sweet flavor and a moist, tender crumb. It’s excellent for sandwiches, toast, dipping, or enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best, but any type will do)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent rise and texture.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix the milk and melted butter (or olive oil). Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Form the Dough
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently until everything comes together. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light.
5. Shape and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top if needed.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled for the cleanest cuts.
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy warm with butter or honey.
- Slice for sandwiches or toast.
- Serve alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
- Spread with jam, cream cheese, or garlic butter.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh baking powder for a strong, even rise.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk.
- For a lighter crumb, sift the flour before mixing.
- Add herbs, cheese, or garlic powder for a savory version.
- For a sweeter loaf, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons.
Variations
- Herb Bread: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheddar Bread: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheese.
- Honey Bread: Replace 1 tablespoon of sugar with honey.
- Olive Oil Bread: Use olive oil for a Mediterranean flavor.