Ever page through a cookbook and wonder what is quick bread? We've got the answers and all the tips you need to make this super simple, yeast-free bake.
What Is Quick Bread: Your Guide to This Simple, Delicious Bake
Updated on Feb. 07, 2024
At home, many bakers aren’t afraid to tackle a new everyday cookie recipe or speedy dessert. For some reason, though, bread can feel a bit more daunting. The kneading, the yeast, the waiting…
The good news is you don’t have to deal with any of that if you opt for a quick bread recipe instead. That’s right! Quick bread is a simple version of its yeasted cousin and there are so many delicious variations. So break out your favorite wooden spoon and tackle this bake with abandon.
What Is a Quick Bread?
Simply put, quick bread is a bread recipe that is made without yeast. That’s it! Instead of using yeast to achieve a rise, these bread recipes rely upon leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder.
Unlike yeasted breads, quick breads don’t need to be proofed or kneaded. They can go from the mixing bowl to the pan to the oven. While the bake times can seem long (sometimes up to an hour), they are definitely speedier to make than a yeasted dough.
Quick breads don’t have the same texture as yeasted breads either. Most quick breads have a texture that’s similar to a muffin. They can be sliced and toasted but they’re not really suitable for something like your lunchtime sandwich. Many types of sweet bread fall into the quick bread category, too.
Types of Quick Bread
There are near-limitless kinds of quick bread. If you can think of a flavor, chances are that some clever baker has thought of a way to stir it into a quick bread batter and bake it up in a loaf pan.
That being said, there are a few popular types of quick bread (some of which you may have already made before).
- Banana bread: This is one of the most popular kinds of quick bread. It’s the perfect way to use up a few bananas that are past their prime. Plus, you can gussy up the recipe by adding mix-ins and more.
- Cornbread: This yeast-free bread is a fantastic compliment to any meal—especially chilis and other hearty fare.
- Soda bread: You guessed it: Soda bread gets its name from the baking soda used in the recipe. Unlike many other quick breads, Irish soda breads are often baked freeform on a baking sheet.
- Beer bread: While many quick breads tend to lean toward the sweet side, beer bread is distinctly savory. This bread gets its signature flavor and lift from the beer added to the batter. When combined with the leavening agents, the batter bubbles up and has a nice rise.
- Zucchini bread: It’s safe to say that zucchini bread is the most delicious way to enjoy this summer bumper crop. Zucchini bread bakes up very moist thanks to the shredded veggie inside.
Ways to Bake Quick Bread
Quick bread recipes are extremely versatile. While most recipes are baked in a loaf pan, that’s certainly not the only way to bake these breads. Lots of vessels can be used for these delicious bakes.
- Cast-iron skillet: Don’t put that skillet away after dinner! You can use a cast-iron skillet to bake up plenty of bread recipes including banana bread, savory herb bread and cornbread.
- Loaf pans: As we said, loaf pans are the most common pan used for baking up quick breads. Grab your favorite and you can make all these recipes (and hundreds more).
- Mini loaf pans: If you want to share your bakes, you can easily convert your recipe to fit inside smaller loaf pans. Follow our pan conversion guide for help.
- Sheet pan: Some quick bread recipes don’t require any particular pan at all. Recipes like Irish soda bread are just formed by hand and baked on a sheet pan.
Quick Bread Techniques
One of the greatest joys of quick bread—outside of not having to fuss with temperamental yeast—is that it doesn’t require any special tools or challenging techniques. All you need to know are a few baking basics to bake up a successful loaf.
- Dust mix-ins with flour: If your recipe calls for nuts, chocolate chips or fruit, it’s best to toss these ingredients in a tablespoon or two of flour before adding to the batter. This quick dusting will prevent all these add-ins from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Don’t overmix: As with bakes like cookies or cake, you don’t want to overmix the batter once you add flour. Overmixing will strengthen the gluten in the batter and make your bread tough and unpleasantly chewy. Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Check the bake with a toothpick: Just like with cake, you can test the doneness of your quick bread using a toothpick or thin skewer. If the toothpick comes away clean, the bread is done; if it comes away gooey, it needs a little more time in the oven.
- Wait to cool until you frost: Many sweet quick bread recipes call for a confectioners’ sugar glaze on top. Make sure that your bread is cooled to room temperature before adding this finishing touch. If you frost a warm bread, the glaze will seep right into it leaving you with soggy bread with no decoration.
Quick Bread Recipes
If you’re new to baking (or are just looking to take it easy in the kitchen), start with easy quick bread recipes that require just a handful of ingredients that you already have in the pantry.
Once you’ve tackled a few basics, you can pull out all the stops and bake up some of our prettiest quick bread recipes. These recipes require a few more mix-ins and might require some icing or toppings. Don’t worry, though—they are still a cinch to pull together compared to these breads’ yeasted cousins.
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Lemon Blueberry Bread
Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Pina Colada Zucchini BreadPina colada zucchini bread is a fun new take on the usual quick bread loaf. This recipe is filled with tons of summery flavors, from tropical pineapple and coconut to heady rum and vanilla.
Ever wondered what is quick bread? Our guide will tell you.
Blueberry BreadThis blueberry bread recipe is a simple quick bread you'll look forward to making when fresh blueberries are in season.
Key Lime BreadThis easy Key lime bread is a sweet and tangy twist on classic quick bread. The glazed loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert or a midday snack.
Parmesan Zucchini BreadThis 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
Chocolate Chai Mini LoavesThis 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
Learn how to convert a quick bread recipe into mini loaves.
Almond Tea BreadMy 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
Apple-Rhubarb BreadRhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to have all year. Here’s how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Louisiana Pecan Bacon BreadOne Christmas, the babysitter brought gifts for my daughter and a basket of goodies, including pecan bread. When I make this bread, I remember that kind soul. This bread won a blue ribbon at the Los Angeles County Fair in 1988, and I still bake it for family and friends. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Cranberry Walnut BreadSome quick bread recipes have just a sprinkling of fillings, but this cranberry walnut bread is loaded with fruit in every slice. It's a lovely autumnal treat for breakfast or dessert.
Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey ButterMy savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. Cut yourself a thick slice, slather on the butter and enjoy!—Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Strawberry BreadMy husband and I are strawberry lovers, so each spring we pick about 30 quarts. This strawberry bread recipe makes two delicious loaves. One we eat right away; the other we freeze and pull out when family comes to visit.
Herb Quick BreadThis 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, Manhattan, Kansas
Lemon-Thyme Tea BreadI 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
Pumpkin Banana BreadThis easy pumpkin banana bread recipe is a delicious way to welcome in fall.
A Bit Nutty Boston Brown BreadHearty and dense, my homemade Boston Brown Bread features hazelnuts for a delightfully nutty taste. Thick slices pair well with just about anything, from soup and stews to pasta and meat entrees. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Apple Zucchini BreadThis quick apple zucchini bread spotlights late-summer produce. It's easy to bake and absolutely delicious.
Autumn Pear BreadPears 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
Apricot Cranberry BreadI was making cranberry bread one day and wanted to try something a little different. I found a jar of apricot jam in the refrigerator and decided to spoon the jam into the center of the bread. It looked lumpy, so I took a knife and cut the jam into the bread. The end result was delicious. —Diane Roth, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Date Pecan Tea BreadPacked with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
(Get recipes for more types of sweet bread!)
Pumpkin Pecan LoavesAmong all my pumpkin bread recipes, this caramel-glazed creation is the pick of the crop. Often, I'll wrap up a lovely loaf as a homemade gift for teachers and Sunday school leaders. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Pineapple Cherry LoavesPineapple adds a fun twist to this holiday quick bread, plus it wakes each delicious bite nice and moist. My family prefers this to traditional fruitcake.
—Dolores Peltier, Warren, Michigan
Pumpkin Chocolate LoafThese tender chocolate loaves with hints of pumpkin and spice have been a favorite of mine for years. Slice them up for snack time or dessert. —Kathy Gardner, Rockville, Maryland
Sun-Dried Tomato Provolone BreadThis savory quick bread, which was passed down from my mother, is packed with great flavors. It not only goes well will soups and chowders, but makes a delicious accompaniment to beef and chicken entrees. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Praline-Topped Apple BreadApples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread perfect for a holiday celebration—or anytime. We like it better than our go-to coffee cake. —Sonja Blow, Nixa, Missouri
Rhubarb BreadRhubarb bread is the perfect recipe for springtime, when rhubarb ripens. If you're not familiar with rhubarb, it has a tart flavor that combines wonderfully with sweet treats.
Roasted Butternut Squash BreadButternut squash is so versatile, I use it to make a sweet and savory bread that’s fabulous for breakfast, snacking or even dessert. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
Banana BreadOur best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!
Eggnog Fruit BreadPresents from the pantry are a tradition in my family, and this moist, fruity quick bread is a favorite. I wrap loaves in cellophane and garnish with stickers and curly ribbons. —Margo Stich, Rochester, Minnesota
Cinnamon Roll BreadAll the delicious flavors you can't resist in a cinnamon roll are packed into this way-easier-to-make cinnamon roll bread recipe. We usually make this quick bread without a glaze, but you can easily add a glazed topping to take it to the next level.
Orange Pecan BreadMy husband loves this bread. Whenever I ask him to suggest a nice tea bread, he says, "What about that orange-pecan stuff?” —Sondra Feldstein, Bondurant, Iowa. 
Lemon Yogurt BreadThis tender bread will remind you of pound cake. Its mild lemon flavor and cakelike texture makes it perfect for brunch or a mid-afternoon snack. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon
Banana Nut BreadThis banana nut bread recipe has everything: tangy cream cheese, crunchy pecans and sweet bananas, of course, plus a rich glaze that makes it the best banana bread you've ever eaten.
Pumpkin Cranberry BreadWhat makes this pumpkin cranberry bread recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation yielding two loaves that are delicious to share or to stock your freezer for future sweet treats.
Drizzled Butternut BreadMy two young children love this buttercup yellow bread. Squash makes it moist and goes so well with the cinnamon. This will be a welcome addition to a brunch or dinner table.—Misty Thompson, Gaylesville, Alabama
Sweet Potato BreadOne slice of this warm, tender sweet potato bread and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite sweet potato fall desserts.
Eggnog BreadThis eggnog bread recipe uses eggnog right in the batter. In just a few simple steps, you can produce three moist and tender mini loaves perfect for the holidays.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese BreadTender, plush and generously fall-spiced, our pumpkin cream cheese bread is an elevated fall bake thanks to its cheesecake-like filling, fun mix-ins and sweet vanilla icing.
Pear Bread RecipeThis pear bread recipe needs to be at the forefront of your next fall baking affair. It makes two warmly spiced and pear-studded bread loaves that just taste like a crisp autumn day.
Apple Banana BreadAs if the tender apple banana bread loaf wasn’t delicious enough, we top it with a sticky, salted, coconut-caramel glaze. Every bite is pure perfection!
Cranberry Orange BreadBake up a batch of this sweet, tart cranberry orange bread that combines the flavor of cranberries and orange peel. You can add an orange glaze to sweeten it more, or top it with chopped nuts for a little crunch.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip BreadOur recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip bread is a fall staple for any day, any time of the week.
Candy Cane Chocolate LoavesWhen I had a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays, I was inspired to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
