Hearty Craft Beer Bread
This Hearty Craft Beer Bread recipe is not only incredibly simple to prepare but also yields a deliciously rustic loaf that pairs perfectly with your favorite soups, stews, or as a delightful snack all on its own. Thanks to a can of beer, this bread boasts a rich flavor and a unique texture that is both thick and hearty. The best part? You can mix it right in the baking pan, resulting in minimal cleanup, and it won’t last long before everyone comes back for seconds! Just remember to place a sheet pan beneath the loaf pan to capture any butter that may escape during baking.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
3 cups (sifted)
Baking Powder
3 teaspoons ((omit if using Self-Rising Flour))
Salt
1 teaspoon ((omit if using Self-Rising Flour))
Sugar
1/4 cup
Beer
1 (12-ounce) can
Butter
1/2 cup (melted (1/4 cup can be used for less richness))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it generously.
2
In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the loaf pan for easy cleanup), combine the sifted flour, baking powder (if using all-purpose flour), salt (if using all-purpose flour), and sugar. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients.
3
Gradually pour in the beer, mixing until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
4
Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
5
Drizzle your melted butter over the top of the batter, allowing some of it to sink into the mixture.
6
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
26g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Craft Beer Bread?
Hearty Craft Beer Bread is a simple, rustic loaf that uses beer to create a rich flavor and thick, hearty texture. It requires no yeast and can be mixed directly in the baking pan.
What kind of beer is best for this bread?
Any craft beer, lager, or ale works well. Darker beers will provide a deeper, more robust flavor, while lighter beers offer a milder taste.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour. If you do, omit the 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt from the recipe.
Why do I need to sift the flour?
Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, ensuring a better texture and preventing the bread from becoming overly dense.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter poured over the top, but you can reduce this to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less rich loaf.
Why should I put a sheet pan under the loaf pan?
The butter poured on top can sometimes bubble over the edges; placing a sheet pan underneath captures any drips and keeps your oven clean.
What is the baking temperature for beer bread?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The bread typically takes approximately 1 hour to bake, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I mix the ingredients directly in the loaf pan?
Yes, for easier cleanup, you can combine the dry ingredients and beer directly in the greased loaf pan before topping with butter.
Is there a specific size of beer required?
The recipe is designed for a standard 12-ounce can or bottle of beer.
How many calories are in a serving of this bread?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving of this beer bread.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 11 grams of fat.
How much protein does this bread provide?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
One serving contains 26 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer works perfectly well for the flavor and carbonation needed for the bread to rise.
Is it okay if the batter has lumps?
Yes, a few lumps are perfectly fine. It is important not to overmix the batter to maintain the correct texture.
How long should I let the bread cool before slicing?
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes to allow the internal structure to set.
What should I serve with beer bread?
This bread pairs excellently with hearty soups, stews, or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
While this is a basic recipe, you can easily customize it by adding shredded cheese, garlic, or dried herbs.
Does the alcohol remain in the bread after baking?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the hour-long baking process, leaving behind only the flavor of the beer.
Is this bread considered a quick bread?
Yes, because it uses baking powder and the carbonation from beer for leavening rather than yeast, it is classified as a quick bread.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar, which balances the bitterness of the beer.
Do I need to grease the loaf pan?
Yes, you should grease the loaf pan generously to ensure the bread and butter do not stick to the sides.
What gives the bread its golden crust?
The combination of the sugar in the dough and the melted butter drizzled on top creates a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but it will result in a much denser loaf. It is usually best to use at least half all-purpose flour for better rising.
What texture should I expect?
Expect a rustic, dense, and moist texture with a crunchy, buttery top crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 6 basic ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, beer, and butter.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Absolutely, it is one of the easiest bread recipes because there is no kneading or rising time required.
Why is my bread too salty?
If you used self-rising flour and also added the extra salt mentioned in the recipe, it will be too salty. Only add salt when using all-purpose flour.