No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (2024)

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Do you want to know how to make bread without yeast or baking soda? This easy, no-yeast milk bread recipe is perfect for anyone who wants fresh homemade bread in minutes! No kneading, rising, or special equipment is required!

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (1)

Making a loaf of yeastless bread is easier than you think and tastes just as good. It takes five essential ingredients: flour, baking powder, butter, egg, and milk, and it's excellent when you need it in a hurry!

Table of Contents

1) 📃 Why it Works

2) 🍞 The Fail

3) 🛒 Ingredients and Notes

4) 🔪 Instructions

5) 👉 Variations

6) ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

7) ✍ Reviews

8) 🍽 How To Serve It

9) 😋 Other Baked Goods to Try

10) 📖 Recipe

11) No Yeast Quick Bread (Croatian Recipe)

Nothing satisfies like a fresh, homemade loaf of bread. And when you're stuck at home without yeast to make the dough and give your house that comforting smell?

You can make a fantastic loaf without yeast that's just like proper, old-fashioned plain doughy white stuff! This delicious loaf of homemade white bread tastes as good on day two as it did when first made - perfect for sandwiches or dipping into soups/chilis.

📃 Why it Works

  • You don't need yeast; it doesn't require buttermilk or baking soda.
  • It takes minimal effort to make this beauty - mixed in the bowl with a wooden spoon - no kneading or rising!
  • It goes great with all sorts of dishes! Use it for sandwiches, French toast, andgrilled cheese.
  • All you need are five pantry staples and 40 minutes to enjoy this fresh-outta-the-oven loaf of goodness.
  • It has a dense yet soft crumb (not crumbly like some muffins), perfect for smearing with butter.
  • This milk bread doesn't taste soapy, salty, or bitter like some soda bread.

In tough times like COVID-19, we work harder and learn new cooking skills. We improvise, use leftovers creatively, and even make classic recipes without key ingredients like yeast.

We can do this, as we've done it before, when we lacked food and peace.

I had my first yeastless bread when I visited my aunt in Croatia. I remember the taste and texture of it, but not the entire recipe. Now, it's being recreated.

🍞 The Fail

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (2)

Most recipes without yeast will add eggs, so I did too. To be exact, I put in three eggs. I also used too much milk, so the dough was runny, and the finished product was too eggy and unappealing.

You can see my lame effort to make it presentable by sprinkling it with black sesame seeds. 🤦🏻‍♀️😆 But then I nailed it!

This milk bread is the best for those who love to keep things simple. You won't find any complicated steps in this recipe!

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

This homemade loaf will rise just fine without the baking soda, which gives it a sour flavor note, as in Irish soda bread, for example, or sourdough bread that takes days to make.

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (3)

Flour - We used unbleached all-purpose by King Arthur because that's what we had on hand. White flour will yield more tender crumbs, but you can use wheat or do half and half. I haven't tried using gluten-free flour, so I can't say it would yield the same results.

Baking powder - This makes this no-yeast bread rise, and it's essential to use. However, you can use self-raising flour as an alternative.

Milk - Best to use full-fat, but it's not a rule. Skim milk, almond milk, or other non-dairy milk will work too.

Butter - You will get a buttery flavor with most of the benefits of the oil. Using oil might result in a denser texture.

Egg yolk - For brushing the loaf before baking, it will give the crust a golden brown color that is slightly shiny.

Salt - For seasoning.

🔪 Instructions

You don't need special skills to bake this simple Croatian milk loaf. Even novice bakers can follow these easy step-by-step instructions.

Step 1

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (4)

*Keep scrolling to get the full (printable) recipe, ingredient amounts, and more tips.

  1. Melt the butter in milk.
  2. Mix flour with baking powder and salt.
  3. Add half the dry ingredients to the milk and butter mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients; mix to incorporate.

Step 2

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (5)
  1. Transfer the dough to a clean surface.
  2. Knead for a couple of minutes to shape it into a loaf.
  3. Place on parchment paper.

Step 3

No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (6)
  1. Transfer the loaf with parchment paper to a loaf pan.
  2. Brush with egg yolk.
  3. Slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Bake for 30 min.
  • You can substitute butter with four tablespoons of oil (canola, vegetable, or even olive oil).
  • When measuring, level off the flour, baking powder, and salt with the back of a knife. These measuring "levups" and "levoons" really help too!
  • You can sprinkle the top with sesame, poppy seeds, or oatmeal before baking.
  • If you don't have a loaf pan, use a round 8 or 9-inch baking pan (or you can shape it any way you want).
  • If you enjoy your loaf warm, resist slicing it with a knife but rather tear it with your hands. If you cut it into a hot loaf, it will withdraw and turn gummy and sticky. Most bread will need 30-45 minutes to cool.
  • To slice bread, use a serrated knife. It will make it easier and neater to cut slices.

👉 Variations

One of our favorite things to do is mix in one or more different flavors. You can change this plain bread by adding sharp cheddar cheese with herbs like Italian seasoning (try our homemade blends)! Here are some other ideas:

  • Buttermilk + chopped olives and rosemary
  • Sour cream + chives
  • Feta cheese + marjoram, dill, and mint
  • Parmesan + garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil
  • Oats + honey
No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will no yeast milk bread last?

It has no preservatives, so it's best to eat it on the same day. If you need to store for more than a day or two (and don't want your bread molding!), seal up any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. Then lightly warm it up in a toaster or oven.

Can I freeze yeastless milk bread?

This recipe makes a small loaf, so you likely won't have leftovers, but if you must freeze it, use it up within two months. Warm it up in a lightly greased pan in a 350F oven for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk. Substitute butter with oil. You will only need half of the amount the recipe calls for the butter. Note that the texture will be denser with oil. Brush the loaf with oil or almond milk as an alternative to egg yolk.

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

The more often you bake, the easier it will be to tell, but here are a couple of other methods you can use:
1. Hold the loaf in one hand and tap the bottom of it with your finger. If it sounds hollow, it's done.
2. Insert athermometerat an angle through the side of the loaf. Bread made with butter, milk, or eggs is usually done at about 200F.

This loaf turned out differently than regular bread. What did I do wrong?

Nothing. Bread without yeast will have a different texture and taste. The crumb is similar to that of biscuits or pound cake. It's still delicious, though!

Reviews

"I can't thank you enough for sharing this recipe with the world! I came across this recipe while searching for bread with no yeast on Pinterest. Guess what!? My family loved this cozy bread, and now we want it all the time! Great for and with everything! Brings my family together, from the smell to the taste!" - Bianca, via Pinterest.

"This was absolutely worth doing love it, and bonus, hubby the fussy eater loves it. Thank you I'm so happy I found this recipe will definitely be making more" - Tracy, via Pinterest.

"It was soo good and yummy and easy. All my friends loved it. I made it instead of Challah for Shabbat, but also braided the bread like challah bread." - Lena, via Pinterest.

"Tastes very much like biscuits! I made it with reduced-fat milk, and it did not affect the recipe. It's very rich and delicious, and I'll surely make it again. 😋" - Jenna, via Pinterest.

🍽 How To Serve It

Smear it with butter, peanut butter, jam, Nutella, or cream cheese. It is also great for making sandwiches or dipping in garlic olive oil, and it tastes even better when used in conjunction with soups, stews, or chilis.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes that would be perfect for enjoying this wonderful slice:

  • Bosnian Cabbage Stew
  • Chili con Carne
  • Beef and Vegetable Stew
  • Mexican Chicken Soup
No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (8)

😋 Other Baked Goods to Try

  • How to Make No-Knead Artisan Bread
  • Easy Bavarian Pretzel Rolls
  • German Soft Pretzel Corners - Laugenecken
  • Danish Yeast Buns with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Raisins

    🧡 LIKED THIS RECIPE? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section. 😋 HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

    📖 Recipe

    No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (13)

    No Yeast Quick Bread (Croatian Recipe)

    By Jas

    Do you want to know how to make bread without yeast or baking soda? This easy emergency bread recipe is perfect for anyone who wants fresh homemade milk bread in minutes! No kneading, rising, or special equipment is required!

    4.8 from 48 votes

    Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    Prep Time 5 minutes mins

    Cook Time 30 minutes mins

    Total Time 35 minutes mins

    Course Bread, Side

    Cuisine Croatian

    Yields 10 servings

    Calories 191 kcal

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric

    • 1 pound all-purpose flour, we used King Arthur's unbleached
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 stick butter, 8 tablespoon or 4 tablespoon oil
    • 1 ¼ cup whole milk
    • 1 egg yolk, optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 395 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • In a saucepan, over low heat, whisk 1 stick butter and 1 ¼ cup whole milk until butter melts, but the milk is not hot (if it is, let it cool down a bit). Transfer the milk and butter mixture to a large mixing bowl.

    • Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, whisk together 1 pound flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and one teaspoon salt.

    • Pour the half of the dry ingredients (eyeball it) into the milk and butter mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and lump-free, about 2 minutes. Pour in the remainder of the dry ingredients and mix until blended.

    • Transfer the dough on a lightly floured clean surface and knead until the dough is smooth, for about 3-4 minutes. The dough should not be sticky, but it should be soft and pliable!

    • Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Transfer to a 9" loaf pan. Brush the top with egg yolk. At this point, you can slash the dough with a very sharp serrated knife a few times if you wish.

    • Bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • You can substitute butter with four tablespoons of oil (canola, vegetable, or even olive oil).
    • Add your favorite herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano) to the dough for a different flavor.
    • When measuring, level off the flour, baking powder, and salt with the back of a knife. These measuring "levups" and "levoons" really help too!
    • You can sprinkle the bread with sesame, poppy seeds, or oatmeal before baking.
    • If you don't have a loaf pan, use a round 8 or 9-inch baking pan (or you can shape it any way you want).
    • Egg yolk wash is optional, but it helps with the color. Without it, this bread is pretty pale.
    • Oven temperatures vary. If yours doesn't run hot, you might need to bake your bread longer.
    • If you enjoy your loaf warm, resist slicing it with a knife but rather tear it with your hands. If you cut into a hot loaf, it will withdraw and turn gummy and sticky. Most bread will need 30-45 minutes to cool.
    • You can always warm it up in a 350F oven for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
    • To slice bread, use a serrated bread knife. It will make it easier and neater to cut slices.
    • For the best results, read additional tips and FAQs in the post above.
    • Please remember that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used.

    How Much Flour?

    Flour type, humidity, temperature, altitude, and many other factors can impact how much flour you need, but it doesn't have to. Update: others made this recipe, using the exact amount as indicated, with success. Keep in mind that wet dough yields moist crumbs.

    Storage

    Refrigerate the leftover bread in an airtight container or a storage bag for a couple of days. This recipe is freezer-friendly. Leftovers are best if slightly warmed in the toaster or oven.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 191kcal (10%) | Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 2g (3%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (5%) | Cholesterol: 23mg (8%) | Sodium: 249mg (10%) | Potassium: 210mg (6%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 75IU (2%) | Calcium: 96mg (10%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)

    Tried this Recipe? ❤️ Tag us on Facebook!Let us know how it was! Mention @AllThatsJas or tag #allthatsjas!

    No Yeast Quick Bread Recipe • All that's Jas (2024)

    FAQs

    What do quick breads use instead of yeast? ›

    Quick breads are bread recipes made without yeast. These recipes use leaveners like baking soda and/or baking powder for rise and can be either sweet or savory.

    What is the secret to success when making quick breads? ›

    Tip 1: Follow the Recipe Closely. The first and most important tip to making a successful quick bread is to follow the recipe closely. Quick bread recipes are generally very precise, and even small deviations from the recipe can cause your bread to turn out differently than you intended.

    How did they make bread in the old days without yeast? ›

    They discovered that mixing flour and water together and leaving it to sit for several days would cause wild yeasts to start fermenting, resulting in a risen dough. The Egyptians also used sourdough as a leavening agent, which is a natural mixture of yeasts and bacteria found in flour and water.

    What are the 7 ingredients sometimes found in quick breads? ›

    The possibilities are endless, but the common factor is the basic ingredients of fat, sugar, eggs, flour, liquid, leavening agent, and a flavoring ingredient. The flavoring might be a fruit or vegetable, a liquid such as buttermilk or fruit juice, an extract, herbs, or spices.

    What is the best substitute for instant yeast? ›

    You can substitute yeast with equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. So if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of yeast, you can use half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Keep in mind that the bread will not need the typical proofing time and the dough will begin rising right away.

    What is a bread without yeast called? ›

    Unleavened bread, or bread without yeast, is a typical Jewish food, the name derives from the Greek azymos (without yeast) which in Jewish becomes mazzah, and it is the symbol of the Passover that recalls the Exodus from Egypt: it was the bread of the fugitives because it was quickly prepared by the fleeing Jews.

    What is the main thing to avoid when making quick breads? ›

    Quick Bread Basics

    Overmixing your batter will cause a tough batter and an equally tough finished product. You do not want to develop the flour's gluten (protein). You want what is known as a tender crumb that will be achieved if you just combine ingredients without overmixing.

    What makes quick bread tender and fluffy? ›

    The two main quick-acting leavening agents are baking powder and baking soda Salt: Used as a seasoning Liquid: Helps in the blending of dry ingredients and the formation of gluten. It triggers the leavening action of baking powder or baking soda. Sugar: Makes quick breads tender and adds flavor.

    How did the pioneers make bread without yeast? ›

    With No Yeast : The Salt : NPR. Bake Bread Like A Pioneer In Appalachia ... With No Yeast : The Salt Bacteria can make a bread rise and give it a cheesy flavor. That's the secret ingredient in salt rising bread, which dates to the late 1700s in Appalachia, when bakers didn't have yeast on hand.

    What did the pioneers use instead of yeast? ›

    Instead of using a fungus (yeast) to raise their bread, early settlers used bacteria. Yeast was not readily available yet, so they created their own bacteria-based leavening agent with a base of either potato or cornmeal.

    Why don't they bake bread on Wednesday? ›

    The color indicates the day of the week the bread was baked. Typically, commercial bread is baked and delivered to grocery stores five days a week. This gives bakeries two days off–Wednesdays and Sundays. The color system helps the store staff as they rotate in the freshest bread and remove the older loaves.

    What two chemicals must be in a quick bread recipe in order for it to have a chemical leavening reaction which gives off carbon dioxide and makes quick breads rise? ›

    Baking Soda

    It's used to chemically leaven doughs and batters when it is mixed with an acid. Combining baking soda with an acid produces a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas which causes the food to expand and become fluffy.

    What happens if you leave an egg out of bread? ›

    Bread with no egg looked as normal as any other white loaf. It had puffed up evenly and had a nice crust colour and a soft texture. The interior was soft but quite tight. This could be made lighter by skipping the pre-shaping or folding steps making the dough looser.

    What are the 4 types of quick breads? ›

    Muffins, coffeecakes, scones, and pancakes are examples of quick breads, that like their name implies, can be prepared quickly in a kitchen.

    What bread is made without the use of yeast? ›

    Soda Bread

    This sturdy breakfast bread comes together and relies on baking soda as a leavener. You can swap out the walnuts and dried currants with any chopped nuts, seeds and dried fruit you have in your pantry.

    Why is yeast not used in quick breads? ›

    Yeast breads often take hours to rise, and the resulting baked good's texture can vary greatly based on external factors such as temperature and humidity. By contrast, breads made with chemical leavening agents are relatively uniform, reliable, and quick.

    How are quick breads different from yeast breads? ›

    Point out to students that quick breads are made with leavening agents that allow immediate baking. Yeast breads, on the other hand, are leavened with yeast and must be kneaded and allowed to rise before baking.

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