Classic Beer Bread

Bread. It’s something that has been part of the human diet for centuries. But making it can be daunting… especially if it involves yeast. I’m starting to get into bread baking and to help ease me in, quick breads are more approachable for me. The following recipe is for a classic beer bread, which is super easy to make. The recipe doesn’t require yeast, No kneading is involved. Just stir it up and bake it up!

The best part is the versatility of this recipe. You can easily make this with a lot of substitutions and variations for a sweet or savory bread. If you don’t have any beer on hand, a number of carbonated drinks can be used instead – cream soda, ginger ale, lemon lime, etc.

You can also stir in some additional ingredients to make it more flavorful as a sweet or savory bread – dried fruit, chopped nuts, sweet spices, dried herbs, shredded cheeses, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Some girlfriends and I got together to spend the day baking, which you can read about here. This is a great recipe to gather friends, family or even the kids for some kitchen fun!

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Looking for some variations? Check out these savory and sweet versions:

Cheddar Herb Beer Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 1 teaspoon chili or cayenne powder
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garlic, Olive & Cheese Beer Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pepperoni Cheese Beer Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 12 oz. orange soda in place of the beer
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Cranberry Orange Apricot & Walnut Quick Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 12 oz. orange soda in place of the beer
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/4 cup walnuts

Chunky Apple Quick Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 12 oz. lemon lime soda in place of the beer
• 4 tablespoons applesauce
• 1/4 cup chopped apples
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Banana Walnut Quick Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 12 oz. ginger ale
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cinnamon Bun Streusel Quick Bread

Add the following to the mix:

• 12 oz. cream soda in place of the beer
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Streusel (combined & sprinkled on top of loaf before baking)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon flour