Many of the most comforting bakes come fresh from the oven in a loaf pan. No, not a basic homemade bread, but homey favorites like banana bread, lemon loaf or zucchini bread.
Quick breads are a cinch to bake up because they skip the yeast in favor of easier-to-work-with leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder. But there are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re stirring up your next quick bread. Just use these simple techniques and you’ll be baking up loaves that everyone will adore.
Don’t Overmix
When stirring up quick bread recipes, it’s important not to overmix the batter once you’ve added flour. Instead, mix until the liquid and dry ingredients are just combined. And, yes, it’s OK to have a few small lumps leftover. What’s crucial is that you don’t overwork the flour.
Why? When you stir a batter with flour, it develops gluten which can cause your quick bread to be tough or unpleasantly chewy.
This might sound counterintuitive since developing gluten is the name of the game with yeasted bread recipes—it’s why you knead that dough—but be sure to go easy with stirring on quick bread.
Use the Right Size Pan
Before you pour your batter into the pan, be sure that you’re using the right size loaf pan for your recipe. This will ensure that your loaf bakes as intended and that no batter overflows.
And yes, even small differences can have a big impact on your bake. For example, an 8×4″ pan holds four cups of batter and a 9×5″ pan holds eight cups. An inch here and an inch there doesn’t seem like much, but it could lead to a big mess in your oven if that smaller pan overflows.
To be safe, invest in a few loaf pans and always be sure to measure before you bake. Keep a tape measure or ruler handy in your kitchen!
Coat Mix-Ins with Flour
So many quick bread recipes call for stirring in some delicious extras like nuts, fruit or chocolate chips. If you toss these heavy ingredients right into the batter, you’ll find they sink to the bottom of your loaf once baked.
To prevent these mix-ins from sinking and to ensure even distribution, you just need to complete one simple step: toss the mix-ins in flour. Take whatever additions you’re incorporating into the batter, toss them in a few tablespoons of flour and then stir into the batter. It takes 30 extra seconds but ensures a more successful quick bread.
Cool Before Glazing
Just like with cake, you want to wait until your bread is cool before adding any sort of glaze or frosting. If you ice while the cake is warm, the icing will soak right into the loaf or just slide off completely.
As hard as it is, exercise a little patience and you’ll end up with a gorgeous quick bread to share.
Slice the Right Way
As tempting as it is, resist the urge to cut into a loaf of quick bread right from the oven. Slicing warm quick bread will cause it to crumble and you won’t get clean slices.
Instead, wait until the bread has cooled, then slice with a sawing motion using a serrated knife. This kind of knife is especially useful when your bread is full of fruit or nuts. It cuts through these extras without tearing them from the loaf.
Start Baking These Quick Bread Recipes
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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen New to baking bread? Check out our complete bread baking guide.
Zucchini Pineapple Bread
Meals are even more memorable when I compliment them with this light zucchini bread with pineapple. The zucchini makes it so moist and tender...and the pineapple lends a delicate tropical twist to every delicious slice. —Shirley Boulet, Whitefield, New Hampshire Add these essential bread baking tools to your online shopping cart ASAP.
Lemon Bread
I often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company's due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming Quick breads aren't your only baking option. Here are a bunch of different types of bread you should try to make.
Spiced Apple Muffin Bread
Instead of sprinkling with cinnamon sugar before baking, you could also add your favorite streusel topping to make this bread more like coffee cake. I like to serve it warm with applesauce. — Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Parmesan-Sage Beer Bread
I'm asked to bring this savory loaf to nearly every function I attend. It's great as a side dish, but if you're in the mood for an extraordinary sandwich, start with two slices of beer bread. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Pumpkin Bread
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Zucchini Bread
My zucchini bread is filled with great cinnamon flavor. It makes two loaves—have one now and give the second one to a neighbor or freeze for later. —Britt-Marie Knoblock, Lisle, Illinois Here's more on how to make zucchini bread.
Buttery Cornbread
A friend gave me this cornbread recipe several years ago, and it's my favorite of all I've tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your mouth cornbread hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread
I'm always busy with three active sons, so this rich quick bread is a favorite. I like to wrap these loaves to give as gifts. —Sharon Walker, Huntington Station, New York
Herb Quick Bread
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Shumway, Illinois
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Put leftover cranberries and pumpkin to great use in this moist quick bread. It’s very good with my "secondhand turkey" casserole for an after-Thanksgiving meal. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois Check out these quick bread recipes to make in a loaf pan.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
I shred and freeze zucchini from my garden each summer so that I can make this bread all winter long. Our family loves this chocolaty treat.—Shari Mckinney, Birney, Montana
Best Ever Banana Bread
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Classic Irish Soda Bread
This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Glazed Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread
This recipe stars one of our state’s crops. Topped with an easy orange glaze, slices of the moist bread make a sweet snack to enjoy anytime. —Sweet Potato Festival Committee, Vardaman, Mississippi (Get recipes for more types of sweet bread!)
Carrot Honey Loaf
As a busy health-care professional and mom, one of the most meaningful gifts I give to the people I love is my time and skills in the kitchen. I have been baking since I was 7 years old and while I still am an avid baker, raising three children, caring for three dogs and working full-time leaves me with little energy! My family appreciates all my efforts and this is a favorite extra "gift" I give people for special events like a housewarming or welcoming a new baby. It is especially good toasted with butter. —Krystal Horudko, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Grandma’s Onion Squares
My grandma brought this recipe with her when she emigrated from Italy as a young wife and mother. It is still a family favorite. —Janet Eddy, Stockton, California New bakers will love these easy bread recipes for beginner bakers.
Peach Cobbler Bread
I developed this recipe to take advantage of our wonderful Georgia peaches. My husband, Andy, says it tastes just like peach cobbler.
Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad when I make it because I give her a loaf and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Lemony Zucchini Bread
Flecks of zucchini give a third dimension to the popular lemon and poppy seed combination in this moist quick bread. My family loves this lemon zucchini bread at all times of the year.—Field Editor Carol Funk, Richard, Saskatchewan.
Soft Sesame Breadsticks
I've been making these tasty breadsticks that go with almost any meal for years. Since they use ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder and milk, it's convenient and inexpensive to mix up a batch. —Nancy Johnson, Connersville, Indiana
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
After learning of gluten and dairy issues in our family, I knew I had to re-create our favorite sweet bread. This gluten-free bread can be made using a premixed gluten-free flour or your own homemade blend. We use coconut milk to make it dairy-free, but any type of milk works! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cran-Almond Loaf
My delicious quick bread is comforting in the afternoon with a cup of tea, served toasted in the morning for breakfast, or as a midnight snack. Morning, afternoon or evening, this is always a treat! —Mary West, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Favorite Irish Bread
Serve this classic from the Emerald Isle with butter, jam and a hot cup of tea. Baking this beauty in a 9-in. pan means there is enough to go around. —Sadie Rotondo, Rockland, Massachusetts
Double Cranberry Banana Bread
We love quick breads, and I've found that they freeze nicely if properly wrapped. This is a scrumptious recipe to make before the holidays and freeze for last-minute guests or gifts. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Feast your eyes on our prettiest quick bread recipes.
Pumpkin Bread with Gingerbread Topping
This yummy pumpkin bread won first prize in the Acorn Pantry Bread Contest. It melts in your mouth, and the recipe easily doubles for gift-giving. —Renee' Nanez, Frederic, Wisconsin
Olive & Onion Quick Bread
I’ve been baking for over 50 years and I never get tired of trying new recipes for my family, friends and co-workers. Baking actually relaxes me. I feel like an artist creating a masterpiece of love. This savory loaf makes a great gift. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, PA
Honey Spice Bread
The texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
Ice Cream Bread
Ice cream gets a whole new use in this tender bread recipe that I pared down to serve two. Be sure to use full-fat ice cream for best results. —Katherine Kuehlman, Denver, Colorado
Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
Crunchy Breadsticks
These thin, crisp breadsticks created in our Test Kitchen add a bit of elegance to a holiday dinner. Each bite is perfectly seasoned with thyme and coarse salt.
Chocolate Quick Bread
My husband and I both enjoy cooking, but the baking is left to me. Our sons loved this chocolaty quick bread when they were little—and still do as grownups! —Melissa Mitchell-Wilson, Wichita, Kansas These are our picks for the best bread machines of the year.
Swiss Beer Bread
This recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Cheesy Garlic Herb Quick Bread
This could be the perfect bread for any dish. The sharp cheddar cheese makes it irresistible.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon Parmesan Popovers
This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Tart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I'll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Socca
Socca is a traditional flatbread from Nice, France. It's a common street food, cooked on a grill and served in a paper cone, usually chopped and sprinkled with salt, pepper or other delicious toppings. Bonus: It's gluten free. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dutch Apple Loaf
Being of Dutch descent, I knew I had to try this recipe for a moist, fruity quick bread. It freezes well, so I often have a loaf on hand for church bazaars. —Gladys Meyer, Ottumwa, Iowa
Almond & Cranberry Coconut Bread
Here’s an all-around great bread for any season. The red bursts of cranberry lend every slice extra appeal for Christmastime. —Rosemary Johnson, Irondale, Alabama
Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
While cinnamon swirl bread is a natural for breakfast, we love it so much we enjoy it all day long. This is a nice twist on traditional cinnamon swirl yeast breads. —Helen Richardson, Shelbyville, Michigan
Fresh Pear Bread
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
Eggnog Mini Loaves
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden loaves. Tender slices go great with a cup of coffee. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
Parmesan Zucchini Bread
This loaf has a rugged, textured look that adds to its old-fashioned appeal. The mild Parmesan flavor nicely complements the zucchini, which adds bits of green color to every tender slice. —Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread
My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics and it always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Pumpkin Banana Bread
I came across these loaves in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make this pumpkin banana bread recipe on a regular basis. It conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
Pistachio Quick Bread
I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze
My neighbor gave me this recipe, and I love that it makes two loaves. We usually eat one and then give the other away or freeze it for later. The glaze complements the bread perfectly. —Heather Frese, Albany, Missouri
Candy Cane Chocolate Mini Loaves
Having a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays inspired me to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
Cranberry Orange Almond Quick Bread
You can customize this bread to your family's specific tastes. Try dried apricots and pecans, or dried blueberries and hazelnuts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina Colada Zucchini Bread
At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and won first place! I think you'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread
Cinnamon and raisins bring heartwarming flavor to this mildly sweet bread. It's ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick snack before dinner. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas Bread
My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
Rhubarb Bread
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Skillet Herb Bread
We had a lot of family get-togethers when I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when it came to bread. But Mom's was my favorite—she started making it 40 years ago. The flavors call to mind the taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Almond Tea Bread
My aunt brought her tea bread recipe with her from Scotland, and enjoying a fresh-baked loaf has become a family tradition during the holidays. Each slice is loaded with red cherries. —Kathleen Showers, Briggsdale, Colorado
Autumn Pear Bread
Pears give these little loaves delicious flavor and help keep them nice and moist. They make lovely gifts to share, too. —Mary Lynn Wilson, Linden, Texas
Cowboy Cornbread
This cornbread is richer and sweeter than others I’ve tried, and especially luscious alongside ham and beans. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Favorite Irish Soda Bread
My best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona
Apple Bread
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, KansasRhubarb Bread
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Banana Nut Bread
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Macadamia Nut Mini Loaves
While these loaves may be small, they have a big rich flavor. The macadamia nuts make them a special treat with tropical flair. Plus, they're so pretty with the toasted coconut topping. —Kim Gilliland, Simi Valley, California
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread
This cranberry bread is tender and moist. The first time I made it, it immediately became a favorite for the fall and winter holidays. The tart cranberries complement the sweet chocolate so well.—Jessica Hornaday, Nampa, Idaho
Sweet Italian Holiday Bread
This is authentic ciambellotto, a sweet loaf my great-grandmother used to bake in Italy. I still use her traditional recipe—the only update I made was for using modern appliances. —Denise Perrin, Vancouver, Washington
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread
My family loves quick breads. This one is moist and spicy. If you don't have mini loaf pans it works just as well in regular size pans. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Spicy Applesauce Fruit Bread
I've had this fruity loaf in my recipe collection since 1975. I tweak it with spices and candied fruit, depending on the season. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Appalachian Cornbread
On this westernmost ridge of the Appalachians, we get abundant rain and sunshine, which allows our children to grow a super sweet corn crop. With staggered plantings, there is enough to eat from mid-July through August, plus plenty to freeze for the long winter. This cornbread is just one way we use some of the bounty! —Anne Wiehler, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Moroccan Spiced Fruit & Nut Bread
Red pepper flakes combined with the cinnamon and allspice give each slice of this bread a subtle hint of warmth. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Lemon-Thyme Tea Bread
I received this recipe as part of a gift, along with a lemon thyme plant and a fresh loaf of this pound cake-like bread. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. —Jeannette Mango, Parkesburg, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread
This tasty bread is perfect for a Thanksgiving meal or any time of the year. I plant pumpkins in my garden, and this is one of my favorite ways to use them.
Jalapeno Buttermilk Cornbread
If you’re from the South, you have to have a good cornbread recipe. Here’s a healthier version of my mom’s skillet cornbread. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Caraway Cheese Bread
We enjoy cheese in a variety of ways. In this savory bread, cheddar cheese blends beautifully with just the right amount of caraway.
Orange Cranberry Bread
These moist loaves are packed with the zesty taste of cranberries and orange peel. I suggest serving slices toasted with butter or cream cheese. —Ron Gardner, Grand Haven, Michigan
Yummy Apricot Pecan Bread
Every time I prepare this yummy bread, I always receive raves. It’s perfect with coffee or as a gift, plus it’s really quick and easy to prepare. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Next, take a look at our easy yeast bread recipes.The post 5 Secrets for Successful Quick Breads appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski