This quick homemade bread is soft, lightly sweet, and wonderfully fluffy, all without using yeast. It’s the perfect solution when you want fresh bread fast, using simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread comes together in minutes and bakes quickly, making it ideal for busy days. There’s no yeast, no rising time, and no complicated steps. The texture is tender and cake-like yet sturdy enough to slice and serve with butter, jam, or savory spreads. It’s reliable, beginner-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 small loaf, serving approximately 6 slices.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: about 20–25 minutes
Variations
You can add 1/2 cup shredded cheese for a savory version that pairs well with soups.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor.
For a slightly richer bread, replace half of the milk with plain yogurt.
Add 1/4 cup chopped olives or seeds for texture and taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Why doesn’t this bread use yeast?
This is a quick bread that relies on baking powder for leavening, so no yeast or rising time is needed.
Does this bread rise well without yeast?
Yes, baking powder helps the bread rise quickly in the oven, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
Is this bread more like cake or bread?
The texture is somewhere in between, tender and soft like quick bread, but sturdy enough to slice like bread.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
You can reduce or omit the sugar, but the bread will be less flavorful and slightly less tender.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but replace only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to avoid a dense loaf.
What kind of milk works best?
Any milk works well, including low-fat or full-fat milk.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a small round pan or muffin tin, but baking time may vary.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger loaf pan, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
It’s best for light spreads or toasted slices rather than heavy sandwich fillings.
Conclusion
This 20-minute homemade bread proves that fresh, delicious bread doesn’t require yeast or long preparation. With its quick mixing, fast baking time, and versatile flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to whenever you need warm bread in a hurry.
