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    Home » Recipes » Breads » Beer Bread

    Beer Bread

    Published: August 25, 2022 · Modified: Aug 25, 2022 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Light, fluffy, and buttery, this Beer Bread only requires 6 ingredients. Perfect if you have no yeast, this bread cannot be more simple to make! You don’t even have to knead it. It has an irresistibly crispy crust and a soft, tender interior that you won’t be able to get enough of.

    A loaf of beer bread with three slices cut in front of the loaf.
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    Pinterest graphic of a loaf of beer bread on top of a sheet of parchment with a drink and opened book in the background.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate with a slice of beer bread with butter slathered on top with more bread and a drink in the background.
    Pinterest graphic of a close view of a loaf of beer bread, sliced open to show the crumb.
    Pinterest graphic of two slices of beer bread on a plate with butter spread on the top slice.
    Pinterest graphic of a loaf of beer bread with three slices of bread cut in front.

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make this homemade beer bread recipe. You don’t even need yeast! The beer acts as the leavening agent, along with the baking powder. Not to worry about using beer though, the alcohol evaporates in the baking process! The bread is also full of malty, yeasty flavor without tasting like drinking a can of beer.

    If you’re nervous about making bread, don’t be. This beer bread does not require any kneading or proofing. So, after you’ve whisked together the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have an irresistible buttery beer bread in under an hour. Want another easy bread recipe? Try my Irish soda bread recipe, artisan bread recipe, or focaccia recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make beer bread.

    Flour — you don’t need anything fancy to make this beer bread. All you need is all-purpose flour.

    Sugar — you need sugar for sweetness to balance out the flavor from the beer.

    Baking powder — this helps the bread rise, so make sure it’s not expired.

    Beer — you can use any type of beer for the bread batter. I’m using an IPA beer but feel free to use what’s on hand. Since we do not add traditional yeast to this bread, the yeast in the beer reacts with the baking powder and flour, causing the dough to rise. That’s why the beer causes the batter to bubble and foam.

    Butter — the melted butter gives the bread a delicious buttery taste and a crispy exterior. I recommend using unsalted butter.

    How to Make Beer Bread

    Set of two photos showing dry ingredients added to a bowl and whisked together.

    1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

    2. Whisk the dry ingredients together.

    Set of two photos showing beer added to make a batter then transferred to a loaf pan.

    3. Slowly pour in the beer while stirring. It is normal for it to foam. Continue stirring until the foaming subsides and just until the dough is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain.

    4. Scoop the dough into the greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

    Set of two photos showing melted butter poured on top of the batter before baking then more butter brushed on top.

    5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the dough.

    6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, then immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Brush all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and let cool completely.

    A loaf of beer bread with a drink on the side and a book in the back.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Do not over-mix the dough. Stir until just combined, as overmixing will result in a dry, dense, tough loaf.
    • Use a scale to measure your flour. This will yield the most accurate results. However, if you don’t have a scale, fluff your flour with a spoon and then spoon it into your cups before leveling it off with a knife. This method is the best way to measure flour without overpacking the measuring cup, leading to a heavy loaf.
    • You can swap the sugar for honey if you prefer honey to sugar.
    • For perfect slices, you can use a serrated knife.
    • Make sure to hold off the butter to pour over the bread batter before baking. The melted butter on top will give you a buttery crust compared to if you had mixed it in alongside the beer.
    • Have self-rising flour on hand? You can use that in place of all-purpose and omit the baking powder.
    • Serve topped with my honey butter recipe to make it even more delicious!

    A plate with a slice of beer bread with butter spread on top, with the cut loaf and a drink in the back.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store the bread?

    Bread can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days.

    Can I freeze this bread?

    You can freeze the entire loaf or slices of beer bread wrapped in plastic in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

    What else can I add to the bread?

    Some of my favorite add-ins include:

    • Fresh or dried herbs: add herbs such as rosemary, basil, parsley, or thyme to the batter.
    • Fresh garlic: mince a clove or two and add it to the batter.
    • Shredded cheese: shredded cheddar or mozzarella makes for a great addition. Add the cheese to the batter and on top before baking.
    • Something spicy: adding sliced jalapeños or green chilies to the batter gives you a kick of heat.

    What’s the best beer for this bread recipe?

    Like cooking with wine, you want to use a beer you enjoy drinking as it’ll be the primary flavoring agent. This bread will take on the flavor of the beer you use, which can be a fun way to add flavor. If you want a very neutral loaf, use a light, pale beer. For a more complex loaf, a Saison, citrus wheat beer, or an oatmeal stout can add lots of flavors.  

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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      Banana Bread Recipe

    • A loaf of strawberry bread on a blue platter with two slices cut in front.

      Strawberry Bread

    • A close up of French bread on a plate with slices of butter

      French Bread

    • A slice of brioche bread with butter on it, in front of a sliced loaf.

      Brioche Bread

    • Overhead image of a babka on a long plate with three slices cut out and lying beside the loaf.

      Chocolate Babka

    If you’ve tried this Beer Bread recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A loaf of beer bread on top of a sheet of parchment with three slices of bread sliced in front.
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    5 from 5 votes

    Beer Bread

    All you need are 6 ingredients to make this Beer Bread recipe. You do not even need yeast!
    Course bread
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 40 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 327kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Loaf pan
    • Large mixing bowl

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 can beer (12-ounce/355ml)
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375F. Butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the beer while stirring. (it will foam.) Continue stirring until the foaming subsides and just until the dough is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Scoop the dough into the greased baking pan. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the dough.
    • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Immediately remove the bread from the pan and place on a wire rack.
    • Brush all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and let cool completely. Bread can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days, or sliced, wrapped, and frozen in a freezer container for up to 2 months.

    Video

    Notes

    • Do not over-mix the dough. Stir until just combined, as overmixing will result in a dry, dense, tough loaf.
    • Use a scale to measure your flour. This will yield the most accurate results. However, if you don’t have a scale, fluff your flour with a spoon and then spoon it into your cups before leveling it off with a knife. This method is the best way to measure flour without overpacking the measuring cup, leading to a heavy loaf.
    • You can swap the sugar for honey if you prefer honey to sugar.
    • For perfect slices, you can use a serrated knife.
    • Make sure to hold off the butter to pour over the bread batter before baking. The melted butter on top will give you a buttery crust compared to if you had mixed it in alongside the beer.
    • Have self-rising flour on hand? You can use that in place of all-purpose and omit the baking powder.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 604mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 3mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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