How to Make an Easy 3-Ingredient Bread Recipe: Simple, Quick, and Delicious
If you’re looking for a simple bread recipe that requires minimal ingredients, look no further! This easy bread recipe calls for only three ingredients—eggs, powdered milk, and baking powder—and delivers a surprisingly soft, slightly sweet bread. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will save you time while satisfying your craving for homemade bread. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts, light snacks, or even as a side to accompany your favorite meals.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this easy 3-ingredient bread recipe, followed by some tips to help you perfect the process and FAQs to clear up any questions you may have.
Ingredients for Easy Bread Recipe
To make this easy bread, you’ll only need three essential ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 12 tablespoons of powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
These three pantry staples are all you need to whip up this delicious, quick bread. The combination of eggs and powdered milk gives the bread its structure and a slightly creamy flavor, while the baking powder helps it rise and achieve a soft, airy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Start by preparing the eggs. Crack the two eggs into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a whisk, beat the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. The eggs should be slightly frothy and pale in color after whisking, which helps create the right texture for your bread.
Step 2: Add the Baking Powder
Next, add the baking powder to the beaten eggs. Whisk the mixture again until the baking powder is completely dissolved. The baking powder is responsible for making the bread rise, so it’s essential to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
Step 3: Gradually Add the Powdered Milk
Once the baking powder is well incorporated, it’s time to gradually add the powdered milk. Add the powdered milk one spoonful at a time, whisking continuously. As you add the powdered milk, the mixture will start to thicken. Continue to whisk until you have a homogeneous and sticky dough. The dough should be smooth, without any visible lumps of powdered milk.
Step 4: Shape the Dough and Prepare for Baking
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the dough and place them on a greased baking pan. Depending on the size you prefer, you can make small rolls or larger bread portions. The dough will be sticky, so a spoon or spatula is your best tool for handling it at this stage.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Once preheated, bake the dough for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on the outside. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, as oven times can vary slightly. You’ll know the bread is ready when the top is golden and the bread feels firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. You can transfer the bread from the baking pan to a cooling rack to help it cool evenly. After a few minutes, your easy 3-ingredient bread is ready to serve! Enjoy it warm, paired with butter, jam, or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Bread
While this bread recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few key tips to ensure that your bread turns out perfect every time:
1. Use Fresh Baking Powder
Baking powder is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it’s responsible for giving the bread its rise. Make sure to use fresh baking powder to achieve the best results. Baking powder that’s been sitting on your shelf for too long may not provide enough lift, resulting in flat or dense bread.
2. Whisk Thoroughly
When whisking the eggs, it’s essential to ensure they are fully beaten. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, giving the bread a light, fluffy texture. Take your time with this step to create the perfect foundation for the dough.
3. Gradual Mixing
Adding the powdered milk gradually ensures that it gets fully incorporated into the dough without creating lumps. Mixing slowly also helps you maintain the sticky yet smooth consistency required for this bread recipe.
4. Monitor Baking Time
The bread bakes quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it after the 8-minute mark. Every oven is different, and baking times may vary slightly. You want the bread to be golden on the outside and slightly soft on the inside.
5. Experiment with Shapes
You can use this dough to create various shapes depending on how you portion it. Make individual rolls, larger loaves, or even experiment with different designs. This makes the recipe versatile, allowing you to customize your bread to suit any occasion.
FAQs: Answering Common Questions About the Easy 3-Ingredient Bread Recipe
1. Can I use any kind of milk powder?
Yes, you can use any kind of powdered milk, including full-fat, skim, or non-dairy powdered milk. Just be aware that different types of powdered milk may affect the final flavor and texture slightly. Full-fat powdered milk will result in a creamier texture, while non-dairy options may be lighter.
2. Can I substitute baking powder with baking soda?
Unfortunately, baking soda is not a suitable substitute for baking powder in this recipe. Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient (like vinegar or lemon juice) to activate, and this recipe doesn’t have one. Baking powder already contains an acid, which helps the bread rise without the need for additional ingredients.
3. What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bread?
This bread recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. For added flavor, consider mixing in grated cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a touch of garlic powder. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for added texture.
4. Can I double the recipe to make more bread?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of bread. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, especially if you’re making larger loaves instead of smaller rolls.
5. How should I store leftover bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the bread for longer, you can refrigerate it, but note that refrigerating bread may cause it to become denser. To restore its softness, you can warm the bread in the oven or microwave before serving.
6. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. The bread will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven.
7. What should I do if my bread turns out too dense?
If your bread turns out denser than expected, it’s likely due to either overmixing the dough or the baking powder not being fresh. Make sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined, and always check that your baking powder is fresh before starting the recipe.
8. Can I use a different type of flour?
This recipe doesn’t use flour—it relies on powdered milk as the base ingredient. While you can’t substitute flour directly, you can experiment by adding small amounts of flour to the mixture to create a denser bread, but it would result in a different texture.
9. Can I add sweeteners to this bread?
Yes, you can add a little sugar, honey, or even vanilla extract to sweeten the bread. However, be cautious about adding too much liquid, as this may alter the dough’s texture.
10. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
The eggs in this recipe help bind the dough together and provide structure. You can try using egg substitutes, such as flaxseed or chia seed mixed with water, but it may affect the final texture of the bread.
Conclusion
This easy 3-ingredient bread recipe is a lifesaver when you need something quick, simple, and delicious. With only eggs, powdered milk, and baking powder, you can create a versatile bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or side dishes. The recipe is easy to follow, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Whether you enjoy the bread on its own, with butter, or paired with your favorite spreads, this homemade bread is sure to impress. With a few extra tips and customization options, you can tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes. Enjoy making (and eating) this simple, tasty bread!