FEATURE — Have you heard of quick breads before? Have you ever wondered why they are called quick breads?
Quick bread is a type of bread that is leavened with baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast. It is called “quick” because it doesn’t require the long rising times that yeast breads do.
Quick breads come in many forms, from muffins to loaves to biscuits. They can be sweet or savory and are perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack.
In this post, we’ll cover all the tips you need to make a successful quick bread. Plus, a delicious strawberry quick bread recipe at the end!
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.
Think of it as a chemistry experiment. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and follow the mixing and baking instructions as closely as possible.
Don’t overmix the batter
Quick breads are typically mixed by hand, and it’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in a tough and chewy bread. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop. If there are a few lumps in the batter, that’s okay.
Use room-temperature ingredients
To ensure that your quick bread rises properly, it’s important to use room-temperature ingredients. Take the butter, eggs and milk out of the refrigerator an hour or two before you plan to bake. Room-temperature ingredients will mix more easily and will help your bread rise properly.
Preheat your oven
It sounds simple, but preheating your oven is essential to making a successful quick bread. If your oven isn’t hot enough when you put the bread in, it may not rise properly, and the texture may be uneven. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe before you start mixing the batter.
Don’t overbake the bread
Quick breads can go from perfectly baked to overbaked very quickly. It’s important to keep an eye on your bread while it’s in the oven and to test it for doneness using a toothpick or a cake tester. Insert the toothpick or tester into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Let the bread cool before slicing
Finally, it’s important to let your quick bread cool completely before slicing it. If you try to slice the bread while it’s still warm, it may crumble or fall apart. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Strawberry quick bread recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks or dessert, look no further than this strawberry bread recipe. Packed with fresh strawberries, whole wheat flour and low-fat milk and yogurt, this bread is not only tasty but also provides a good amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, together with the moist and tender texture, makes it irresistible to any strawberry lover. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future enjoyment.
So, whether you’re baking for yourself or your loved ones, this strawberry bread is a great way to satisfy your cravings and boost your nutrition. Give it a try and see how it can brighten up your day!
Download a free copy of the recipe here.
This article originally appeared on April 24, 2023, on the USU Extension Create Better Health blog.
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