A quick and easy homemade bread made without yeast or rising time. This soft loaf has a golden top, tender crumb, and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Equipment
- 9 × 5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
1. Prepare
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and melted butter.
Stir gently until a thick, sticky batter forms. Do not overmix.
4. Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack, slice, and serve warm.
Easy Flavor Variations
Cheesy Herb
Add:
- ½ cup grated cheddar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Cinnamon Swirl
Add:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Swirl the mixture gently through the batter before baking.
Seeded Loaf
Sprinkle sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseeds over the top before baking.
Italian Herb
Add:
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp basil
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast: Serve with butter, jam, peanut butter, or honey.
- Lunch: Toast and top with avocado, tomato, or cream cheese.
- Dinner: Serve alongside soup or roasted vegetables.
- Snack: Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or cinnamon.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Slice the cooled loaf, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat slices as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes. You can replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The bread will be slightly denser.
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes. Almond, oat, soy, or other unsweetened plant-based milk can be used.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and replace the butter with olive oil or another plant-based fat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two loaf pans or a larger pan, and adjust the baking time as needed. Check the center with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Why is my bread dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir only until the ingredients are combined, and make sure your baking powder is fresh.