-20-Minute Quick Bread

📝 Description:

This simple, speedy bread recipe gives you a soft, slightly dense loaf with a golden crust in just 20 minutes! No waiting for yeast to rise — just mix, bake, and enjoy freshly baked bread. Perfect for last-minute cravings or when you need a quick bread fix!

🌍 Origin:

A variation of Irish soda bread, which doesn’t require yeast or long rising times. This bread is quick and simple, often made with baking soda as a leavening agent.

🧂 Ingredients (Quantities):

2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional, for slightly sweet bread)
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for a light flavor boost)
1 egg (optional, for extra richness)

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
½ cup chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a sweet twist)
Garlic powder or onion powder for savory flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If you’re using an egg, whisk it into the wet ingredients before adding.

4. Stir Together:
Mix until just combined. The dough will be a bit sticky, which is perfect for quick bread!

5. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf (about 8 inches in diameter). You don’t need to knead it; just gently shape it.

6. Bake:
Place the dough onto a baking sheet or into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cool and Slice:
Let the bread cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy!

✅ Tips for Success:

Don’t overmix the dough, or the bread will be dense. Stir just until combined.
For a golden crust, brush the top of the bread with a little melted butter before baking.
For added flavor, try mixing in a handful of shredded cheese or fresh herbs into the dough.
This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.