Concept & Theory: How to Get Bread That Fast

To make bread quickly, you must bypass the long yeast fermentation and proofing stages. That means:

Use chemical leaveners (baking powder, baking soda) or soda bread style (using buttermilk + bicarbonate)

Use a simple, lean dough (fewer enrichments, minimal kneading)

Use high baking temperature and small loaf or thin shape so interior bakes quickly

Accept tradeoffs: crumb will be denser, flavor less complex, crust thinner

A few relevant references:

The “Bread in 20 Minutes” recipe from easyfoodflash promises “no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise—just pure, delicious bread in under 20 minutes.” 

easyfoodflash.com

The “Ultimate Bread in 20 Minutes – Soft, Fluffy & No Yeast Needed” uses baking powder rather than yeast, convincing us that a quick chemical‑leavened bread is feasible. 

Poulef Recipes

A “Quick & Easy Homemade Bread in Just 20 Minutes” suggests mixing flour + baking powder + salt, then milk, then baking ~20 min. 

recipequickandeasy.com

So we will build a recipe combining the best of these ideas, and improve where possible.

Master “Bread in 20 Minutes” Recipe & Method

Here is the detailed recipe, with commentary & options.

Yield, Timing & Expectations

Makes one small loaf (or flat round loaf)

Prep time: ~5–7 minutes

Bake time: ~12–20 minutes depending on shape & oven

Total time: ~20 min (give or take)

Texture: soft but denser than yeast bread; good for sandwiches, toast, or as a side

Ingredients (Core Version)

Ingredient Quantity Purpose / Notes

All-purpose flour 2 cups (≈ 240 g) Main structure

Baking powder 1 Tbsp (≈ 12–15 g) Chemical leavening

Salt ½ teaspoon Flavor balance

Sugar (optional) 1 Tbsp Adds slight sweetness and helps browning

Milk (or milk + water) ~1 cup (≈ 240 ml) Hydrates dough and activates baking powder

Olive oil or melted butter 2 Tbsp Adds tenderness and richness

Optional additions / variants:

Baking soda + buttermilk version (like soda bread style)

Herbs (rosemary, thyme), garlic powder

Cheese (grated)

Seeds (sesame, sunflower)

This recipe is strongly inspired by variants like easyfoodflash's no‑yeast version. 

easyfoodflash.com

 And the “Ultimate Bread in 20 Minutes” version likewise uses flour + baking powder + milk + oil. 

Poulef Recipes

Equipment & Prep

Oven (preheated)

Loaf pan, small baking dish, or baking sheet

Mixing bowl & whisk or spoon

Measuring tools

Optional parchment paper for lining

Method: Step by Step

Below is the full process with tips.

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 375 °F (≈ 190 °C) or slightly higher (some versions use 425 °F). For example, easyfoodflash suggests baking after mixing for 12–15 minutes at 425°F. 

easyfoodflash.com

Grease the pan or line with parchment to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

Flour

Baking powder

Salt

Sugar (if using)

Make sure the leavening is well distributed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients & Combine

Stir in milk + oil (or melted butter) into the dry mixture. Use just enough liquid to bring into a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Don’t overmix — mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bread tougher.

4. Shape Dough

Transfer dough into your greased loaf pan or form into a round/oval on a sheet.

If you like, score the top lightly (a shallow slash) to control how it expands.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Bake

Place in the preheated oven.

Bake for ~12–20 minutes (depending on oven and loaf size). The “Quick & Easy” version says bake about 20 minutes until golden brown. 

recipequickandeasy.com

Check doneness by:

  • Tapping top — should sound hollow

  • Inserting toothpick/skewer — it should come out clean

If top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for last few minutes.

6. Cool & Slice

Remove from oven. Let the bread cool slightly (5–10 min) so structure sets.

Then slice and serve.

Tips, Troubleshooting & Enhancements

Below are common issues and how to mitigate them, plus ways to make it better.

Common Problems & Fixes

Problem Cause Fix / Advice

Bread too dense / heavy Not enough leavening, underbaking, too much liquid Ensure precise measurements of baking powder; don’t overfill; ensure dough isn’t too wet

Undercooked center Too thick loaf, oven temperature off Use smaller loaf or flatter shape; test with skewer; increase baking time slightly

Top overbrowning Oven too hot or time too long Tent foil, reduce oven temp a bit, or bake lower in oven

Gummy or raw bits Leavening insufficient or too much moisture Adjust moisture; use fresh baking powder

Crust too hard Overbaking or high temp Reduce bake time or lower temp slightly

Suggestions & Enhancements

Use buttermilk + baking soda instead of plain milk + baking powder for better flavor and rise (like soda bread).

Add herbs or garlic to make a savory quick bread (rosemary, thyme, garlic powder).

Mix in grated cheese for a cheesy quick loaf.

Top with seeds or oats before baking for texture.

Use half whole wheat flour for more nutrition (but expect denser loaf).

Make “mini loaves” or rolls instead of one loaf — they bake faster and more evenly.

Brush top with melted butter after baking for shine and softer crust.

Serve warm, with butter or your favorite spread.

Variants & Examples from Sources

Here are a few real example formulas and ideas found in searches:

EasyFoodFlash version: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, sugar optional, milk, oil/butter. Prep 5 min, bake 12–15 min. 

easyfoodflash.com

Ultimate Bread in 20 Minutes version: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil or butter. Bake 15–20 min. 

Poulef Recipes

Quick Bread (TeachingFoods): 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, melted butter, milk. Bake 15‑18 min. 

Teaching Foods

Quick & Easy Homemade Bread in Just 20 Minutes uses 2 cups flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, no kneading, bake 20 min. 

recipequickandeasy.com

These demonstrate the general pattern: flour + chemical leavening + liquid + fat, bake high & fast.

Full Printable “Bread in 20 Minutes” (Optimized Version)

Here is a polished version you can copy, print, or use.

Bread in 20 Minutes (Quick, No Yeast Loaf)

Yield: One small loaf

Total Time: ~20 minutes

Active Time: ~7–10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups (≈ 240 g) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1 cup (≈ 240 ml) milk (or mix milk + water)

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Optional additions: dried herbs, garlic powder, cheese, seeds

Method

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet.

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Add milk + oil, stir until just combined (do not overmix).

Transfer dough to pan or shape on sheet. Smooth top.

Bake 12–20 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.

Serving Ideas & Uses

Serve warm with butter, jam, honey

Use for sandwiches or toast

Serve alongside soups, stews

Use slices for french toast or bread pudding

Cube and toast into croutons

If you like, I can adjust this into a Morocco‑friendly version (using local flours, metric units, spices) or send you a quick yeast version that gives better texture but still bakes fast. Do you want me to send that now?