Our 52 Best Quick Bread Recipes—No Long Rise Required

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Updated on November 3, 2023

Southern Living Ginger Loaf Cake sliced on a platter to serve — Photo:
Christopher Testani, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Quick breads can encompass everything from crowd-favorite banana bread to treats like muffins, scones, and biscuits. The only qualifier (besides not being cake) is that they are chemically leavened, as opposed to using baker's yeast. In other words, there's no long rise required.

We can attest that these quick bread recipes are downright delicious. Bake up a loaf of Zucchini Bread or a batch of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins to add some pizazz to breakfast. (They're also great on the go as the kids are running for the school bus.) Peach scones are a delightful summer afternoon treat, and we'd never forget the cornbread, a staple at every Southern table. The next time you find yourself in a pinch, whip up one of these simple bread recipes, and you're guaranteed a winner.

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Zucchini Bread

Southern Living Zucchini Bread sliced to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Zucchini is available year-round, but when it's ripening by the bucket at the end of summer, this quick bread is a go-to baking recipe for using them up easily.

02 of 52

One-Bowl Banana Bread

slices of banana bread on a plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Perhaps our easiest banana bread ever. It's made to be whipped up in a hurry, before your craving for a warm slice of banana bread fades.

03 of 52

Hummingbird Bread

Southern Living Hummingbird Bread sliced on a platter to serve topped with pecans — Jessica Furniss

With all the flavors of our much-loved hummingbird cake—pineapple, bananas, coconut, and pecans—this is a faster and easier way to enjoy that favorite.

04 of 52

Banana Nut Bread

Southern Living Banana Nut Bread sliced on a cutting board to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Classic banana bread gets a crunchy, nutty update with pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer).

05 of 52

Ginger Loaf Cake

Southern Living Ginger Loaf Cake sliced on a platter to serve — Christopher Testani, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Don't let the name fool you—this is a quick bread-style loaf. And the warm, tingly flavor of ginger infuses the whole loaf for a special breakfast or dessert.

06 of 52

Seeded Pumpkin Bread

Seeded Pumpkin Bread — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

This recipe maximizes flavor and minimizes effort. With just 10 minutes of hands-on time and a few fridge and pantry staple ingredients, this beautiful loaf is ready in no time. While the classic recipe really doesn't need a topping, we're all about this seedy crunch.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We've yet to find anything that chocolate doesn't make better, and that's certainly the case for this delicious, chocolatey banana bread. Don't forget to sprinkle a few chips on top as well!

08 of 52

Cranberry-Orange Bread

Cranberry-Orange Bread — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This loaf is peppered with frozen cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice for a flavorful bread that is an ideal balance of tart and sweet. Serve it alongside coffee and tea or for a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.

09 of 52

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Southern Living Chocolate Zucchini Bread on a cutting board with a few slices cut to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The beauty of this quick bread? It's good pretty much any way you serve it. Throw in some pecans, toast with butter, and eat it at breakfast or as a snack.

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Southern Living Pumpkin Bread sliced on a cutting board — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When cravings for the flavors of fall hit, don't overlook this easy, one-bowl pumpkin bread with chocolate chips. The crunchy topping is optional, but it elevates this simple quick bread to company-worthy.

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Blueberry Banana Bread

Southern Living Blueberry Banana Bread — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While we're a glutton for a slice of classic banana bread, it's always fun to add a twist. Here, juicy blueberries and just-ripe bananas make for the perfect loaf for your next gathering.

12 of 52

Pumpkin Banana Bread

pumpkin banana bread southern living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Banana bread is a year-round favorite, but in the fall, we love adding in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices for a cozy, comforting loaf.

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Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread

Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread — Alison Miksch; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Pumpkin pie spice, mellow honey, and some bubbly beer make a deliciously soft loaf. Don't fret if you spy a few lumps in your batter: That's normal and you'll want to avoid over-mixing to avoid toughness.

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Nana's Banana Bread

Nana's Banana Bread — Robbie Caponetto

Banana chunks and a hint of lime juice bring out a wonderfully fresh, fruity taste in this pillowy-soft quick bread.

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Carrot Cake Quick Bread

Carrot Cake Quick Bread — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

The drizzle of icing adds a sweet note to the spicy, dense bread. A generous handful of pecans ensures a little crunch.

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Banana Bread

Banana Bread — Southern Living

The best solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Banana bread, of course. It's a go-to quick bread that never fails to please.

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Piña Colada Quick Bread

Piña Colada Quick Bread — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Fans of the drink and pineapple upside-down cake will say cheers to this pineapple-packed bread.

18 of 52

Apple Butter-Pecan Quick Bread

Apple Butter-Pecan Quick Bread — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

A favorite fall spread works its way into a nutty quick bread. Cut generous slices, toast, and serve with an exuberant swipe of butter as an afternoon snack.

19 of 52

Apple Bread

Apple Bread — Micah A. Leal

With a generous sprinkling of cinnamon, cubes of Granny Smith apples, and a soft crumb, this is the quick bread you'll want every morning along with your coffee.

20 of 52

Cranberry Eggnog Bread

Cranberry Eggnog Bread — Photo: Jen Causey

Get in the holiday spirit with the festive flavors of this bread, which is studded with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, eggnog, and orange zest. For a bonus flavor, add rum to the glaze on top.

21 of 52

Fig Bread

Fig Bread — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Dotted with dried figs, this recipe is ready to be made all year long. A hint of orange zest adds to the bread's uniquely delicious flavor.

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Jamaican Easter Spice Bun

Southern Living Jamaican Easter Spice Bun on serving platter — Gabriela Herman

Filled with warm spices and dried fruit, this unique and aromatic bread is most popular during the Lenten season, but it can easily be enjoyed year round.

23 of 52

Ham and Cheese Cake Salé Quick Bread

Ham and Cheese Cake Salé Quick Bread — Sheri Castle

A sweet quick bread may be familiar, but have you tried a savory version? Ours is loaded with Gruyère, smoked ham, and olives for a delightfully homey, crumbly creation.

24 of 52

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Southern Living Jalapeno Cornbread with a slice cut out of the skillet to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Spice up your side of cornbread with this jalapeño and Cheddar version. You can make it spicier by adding pepper flakes or more jalapeño, or cut the amount to make it only mildly spicy.

25 of 52

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Southern Living Cranberry Orange Muffins after baking — Molly Bolton

In fall, cranberry and orange a superstar pair. With warming spices ginger and cinnamon, this is a special fall breakfast. But if you crave it in the middle of spring, when fresh cranberries are nowhere to be found, you can use frozen.

26 of 52

Cracklin' Cornbread

Southern Living Cracklin Cornbread with Whipped Jalapeno Butter sliced on plates to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Pork cracklings are meaty little morsels of leftover pork fat. When they're added to cornbread, they turn this quick bread into a real Southern classic. Serve with vegetable soup or chili. People will really only want the cornbread, however.

27 of 52

Cinnamon Swirl Puff Pastry Muffins

Southern Living Cinnamon Swirl Puff Pastry Muffins on a cooling rack — Dotdash Meredit

Make your morning a little bit sweeter with these sugar and spice puff pastries. With only six ingredients, these mini breads are feasible for even the novice baker.

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Sweet Potato Biscuits

Sweet Potato Biscuits — Micah A. Leal

Just slightly earthy, our sweet potato biscuits are light, fluffy, and begging to be served with a slab of butter and drizzle of honey.

29 of 52

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

Biscuit Cinnamon Sweet Rolls — Alison Miksch

If you don't have time to let the dough rise, this quick bread promises cinnamon rolls in a jiffy—20 minutes of hands-on time, to be exact.

30 of 52

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

pumpkin cream cheese swirl muffins — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

These tender and moist muffins are full of pumpkin spice flavor, making them the perfect sweet treat to start your morning or serve as an afternoon pick-me-up.

31 of 52

Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread

Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread — Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This recipe is a hosting home run, as it makes two loaves—just the right amount for feeding your holiday crowd.

32 of 52

Buttermilk Cornbread

buttermilk cornbread — Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Whether you are Team Sugar in the Cornbread or not, there's no denying that it's a dinnertime staple side.

33 of 52

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttery Chive-and-Mustard Drop Biscuits — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

We packed this quick bread with whole-grain mustard, garlic powder, fresh chives, and Parmesan for a super-savory biscuit that will fly right off the dinner table.

34 of 52

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot Cake Muffins — Micah A. Leal

These are the classic cake in muffin form, packed with coconut, golden raisins, and carrots, of course. A drizzle of molasses adds a rich flavor profile.

35 of 52

Peach Scones

Peach Scones — Micah A. Leal

Serve these tender, peach-laden scones at a summer brunch or breakfast and watch the compliments roll in.

36 of 52

Applesauce Muffins

Applesauce Muffins — Micah A. Leal

The addition of applesauce yields a fluffy, soft crumb. Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add warmth and spice. If you fancy them, golden raisins are also a sweet addition to this quick bread.

37 of 52

Best-Ever Scones

Mini Cream Scones — Micah A. Leal

Hosting an afternoon tea? Put these simple scones on your menu and serve with homemade jam. The buttery layers are easily customizable with savory and sweet variations so you'll never tire of this recipe.

38 of 52

Blackberry-Lime Drop Biscuits

Blackberry-Lime Drop Biscuits — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

The beauty of these biscuits is in the name. No shaping, just drop them on the pan. Now that's one of the easiest quick breads we ever did see.

39 of 52

Buttermilk Breakfast Scones

Buttermilk Breakfast Scones — Southern Living

Crisp, sugared tops, plump currents, and that zing of orange zest make these Buttermilk Breakfast Scones a hit at the morning meal.

40 of 52

Bacon Cheddar Scones

Bacon Cheddar Scones — Joy Howard

We love a good savory scone, especially when bacon and Cheddar are the winning combination.

41 of 52

Pumpkin-Buttermilk Biscuits with Crispy Ham and Honey Butter

Pumpkin-Buttermilk Biscuits with Crispy Ham and Honey Butter — Victor Protasio; Propr Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

When fall rolls around, we're looking for an excuse to add pumpkin into our favorite dishes, and these light and flaky biscuits are the perfect combination.

42 of 52

Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns

Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

From at home brunches to on-the-go treats, these bite-sized New Orleans' inspired sticky bunds won't disappoint. Made with store-bought crescent roll dough, they're a cinch to whip up.

43 of 52

Our Favorite Buttermilk Biscuit

Our Favorite Buttermilk Biscuits on a plate with butter and jam — Will Dickey

There's a reason you'll find buttermilk biscuits on any diner menu across the South. The classic, Southern staple is just that good. While many families have their own passed-down recipes, our no-fail biscuit recipe is our favorite for a reason.

44 of 52

Sausage Bread

Sausage Bread — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

This stuffed bread is not short on flavor thanks to the herbs, garlic, gooey cheese, and sausage. And thanks to prepared pizza dough, it only takes minutes to have it ready to go in the oven. The savory dish is easily enjoyed with breakfast or as a side to accompany dinner.

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Gluten-Free Cornbread

Gluten-Free Cornbread — Micah A. Leal

Some cornbread recipes use flour for added softness, but not everyone can eat flour. So offer this gluten-free version up at meals or holidays.

46 of 52

Apple-Spice Muffins With Oat Streusel

Apple-Spice Muffins with Oat Streusel — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Apple pie-spiced muffins are topped with a crunchy streusel. The drizzle of glaze finishes it off for a special muffin.

47 of 52

Emeril's Maple-Butter Corn Muffins

Emeril's Maple-Butter Corn Muffins — FOOD PHOTOGRAPH: ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN

A delicately sweet corn muffin, this is great on its own as a snack, served alongside dinner, or with a bowl of soup or chili.

48 of 52

Pimiento Cheese Flatbread

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Flatbread on a board to serve with extra pimento cheese — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Instead of making your own flatbread, use store-bought pizza dough to make this snack faster and easier.

49 of 52

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

You wait through the long, hot summer for fall flavors. Start here with these quick-mix muffins.

50 of 52

Sugar-And-Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Sugar-and-Pumpkin Spice Muffins — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

The crispy sugary topping on these pumpkin muffins will make you quickly reach for a second (or third).

51 of 52

Blueberry Muffins

blueberry muffins with fresh blueberries — Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living

These are a classic for a reason: There's never a wrong time to make them. Make these for a tea or shower, or whip up a batch for a weekday grab-and-go breakfast. They freeze well, too.

52 of 52

Butter Pecan Scones

Southern Living Butter Pecan Scones ready to serve on a serving board — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Buttery, toasty pecans are spread throughout the dough for these scones. And for extra good measure, they're sprinkled on top with a drizzle of powdered sugar and maple syrup.

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