Description
This quick and easy bread recipe is perfect for busy days when you want fresh homemade bread without the hassle. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and warm water, this bread comes together in just 30 minutes and yields 8 slices of soft, delicious loaf. It’s versatile, suitable for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your meals, and easy to customize with whole wheat flour or butter alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substituting with whole wheat flour gives a heartier taste.)
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Always check its freshness for best results.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Use less if adding salted butter later.)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cups Warm Water (It should be warm but not boiling.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil (Melted butter is a tasty alternative.)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour 3/4 cup of warm water into the dry mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil. Stir the mixture with a spoon until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough onto it. Knead for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it soft.
- Shape the Dough: Form the kneaded dough into a loaf shape and place it into a greased loaf pan, or shape into a round loaf and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring the slices hold together well.
Notes
- If you want a heartier bread, substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Always use fresh baking powder to ensure the bread rises properly.
- Adjust salt depending on whether you use salted butter or oil.
- Warm water helps activate the baking powder but should not be too hot to avoid harming the leavening action.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
