Quick Bread Recipes That Are So Easy and Delicious
Since they require no kneading or time for dough to rise, these quick bread recipes mean you can get straight to the good stuff—like that marvelous first bite.
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If you want the fun of baking bread and bread-like products without the hassle of dealing with yeast, consider quick breads. This category of easy-to-make baked goods includes muffins, biscuits, scones, cornbread, and loaves that are leavened with baking powder and/or baking soda instead of yeast. The baking technique yields fast results because you can pop your bread directly into the oven without allowing time for the dough to rise, a step that's always required when baking with yeast.
While banana bread might be the most well-known quick bread, there are so many other delicious options to choose from—and not all are shaped like loaves. Our Lemon-Poppy Seed Buttermilk Biscuits, pictured here, are perfect served with butter and jam for breakfast, but they're also an ideal dessert option when topped with a dollop of whipped cream. And although these biscuits take only 20 minutes to prepare, the warm, lemony aroma will fill your house all day. Another easy recipe with a flavorful result is our Cinnamon-Sugar Ragamuffins. A hybrid of biscuits and cinnamon rolls, this delightful treat is taken to the next level by sprinkling the top with sanding sugar.
Not all quick breads are sweet. For a savory quick bread that can be used to make sandwiches and avocado toast, consider Quick Rye Bread. Simply combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until a batter forms, then toss in the seeds which give the bread a welcome crunchy texture. Bake the loaves until they're slightly cracked and golden brown.
Whether you want to make buttermilk biscuits or timeless banana bread, mastering any (or all!) of these quick breads will ensure you can make an easy, tasty baked good anytime the mood strikes.
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Test Kitchen's Favorite Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread
There are so many ways to make banana bread but we think this is one of the best. Buttermilk makes it tender and adding semisweet chocolate chips seals the deal.
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Classic Cornbread
A classic indeed, cornbread is a versatile quick bread that's just as toothsome served bare bones as it is punched up with other ingredients, like hot peppers and honey. This traditional take has a balance of soft and crumbly textures that lends itself well to being an accompaniment to chili, soup, barbecued meats, and more.
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Pumpkin-Orange Bread
Pumpkin lovers will rejoice over this quick-bread, and you will too because it's so easy to make. Using canned pumpkin keeps the preparation time to a minimum—just 15 minutes for a treat that tastes like it took much longer to make.
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Cranberry Bread
If you need a last-minute dessert for a holiday party or potluck, consider this cranberry bread. Although the confection comes together in a few simple steps, it's no slouch when it comes to flavor. Cranberries give the quick bread a tart, invigorating bite that will have your guests craving seconds and thirds.
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Morning Glory Muffins
With layers of flavor thanks to the grated apples, carrot, coconut, and golden raisins, these generously sized muffins work well as a filling, nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast option.
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Streusel Banana Bread
Thanks to its glorious, nutty streusel topping, notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt speckle every bite of this banana bread-coffee cake hybrid.
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Strawberry Bread
Strawberries are the star ingredient of this recipe—they're mashed, simmered in a saucepan, and mixed into a batter spiced with cinnamon. Spread each slice with softened cream cheese to add a creamy element to this tart loaf.
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Zucchini-Parmesan Bread with Poppy Seeds
Looking for a way to use up zucchini? This savory bread is a delicious option. It's loaded with tender zucchini, freshly grated Parmesan, and poppy seeds add a welcome crunch.
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Martha's Soda Bread with Rye and Currants
Although it's most often enjoyed at St. Patrick's Day, Martha's soda bread is so good you'll want to serve it year-round. The recipe calls for familiar ingredients, such as currants and caraway seeds, but is also a little different to the usual thanks to the addition of rye flour and wheat bran.
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Carrot-Asiago Bread
Don't let carrot cake fool you! This trusty root vegetable works great in savory baked goods as well as sweet. Sour cream and Asiago cheese give this quick bread a creamy, smooth texture while the nutty topping adds a subtle crunch.
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Crusty Buttermilk Biscuits
These crusty buttermilk biscuits are perfect if you're cooking for a crowd. The recipe yields 35 crispy discs that shine when served with a pat of butter, swipe of jam, or drizzle of gravy.
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Vegan Banana Bread
Looking for a dairy-free option? No problem! This vegan spin on a classic uses coconut oil, ground flaxseed, and almond milk in place of dairy for an equally moist, equally scrumptious banana bread.
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Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder give this zucchini bread a double whammy of rich-chocolatey flavor. Make the treat extra sweet by whipping up an easy, three-ingredient glaze with confectioners' sugar, whole milk, and poppy seeds.
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Dark and Spicy Pumpkin Loaf
As its name suggest, this gluten-free treat is just the thing for pumpkin fans. The recipe calls for familiar ingredients, like pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which are combined with buckwheat and rice flours for a treat everyone can enjoy.
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Herb-Cheddar Scones
Elevate your morning breakfast sandwich by using our herb-cheddar scones instead of the usual toast or bagel. Scallions, sharp cheddar, and dill are used in the dough for a depth of earthy flavor.
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Irish-Style Brown Bread
Similar to the bread you might find on a traditional Irish table, this version cuts whole-wheat flour with rye flour. The five-ingredient recipe comes together in less than an hour and can be enjoyed with butter and jam for breakfast or dipping into soups and stews for dinner.
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Cheddar Bread
If you're in the mood to bake but don't want to dirty a bunch of dishes, consider this cheddar bread. All the ingredients are whisked together by hand in two bowls and baked in a loaf pan. It's easy to make, easy to clean up after, and absolutely delicious.