Recipe Roundup
Banana breads, pound cakes, zucchini loaves, and more.
by: Anabelle Doliner
November7,2023
2Comments
Photo by James Ransom
2 Comments
If you’ve ever been in the mood to bake but haven’t been sure what type of project to tackle, there’s a good chance you landed on a loaf cake or quick bread. Why? They’re sort of the ultimate last-minute baking project. They usually don’t require any specialty ingredients, their batters are easy to whip up in a pinch, and they offer an easy way to incorporate the flavors of whatever season you’re in—from cozy, fall pumpkin breads to summery, berry-infused tea cakes. Without further ado, here are 38 cakes and quick breads you can make in your loaf pan.
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BananaBread
Is there anything associated more with the loaf pan than banana bread? Easy, quick to throw together, and with no special ingredients required, it’s no wonder that a simple banana bread is one of our favorite things to bake.
PoundCakes
Named for their original ratios of sugar, eggs, butter, and flour (one pound of each ingredient), pound cakes are denser, richer, and moister than other butter-based cake varieties. They’re also some of the most versatile cakes out there. Luckily, we have tons of variations—ranging from maple yogurt to burnt miso—for you to try at home.
Pumpkin &Squash
Pumpkin breads are another loaf-pan staple, but we’d argue that squash cakes and breads should be just as common. Pumpkin and squash alike give cakes and quick breads a subtle sweetness and extra-moist texture that’s hard to beat.
Zucchini
The best way to use up an abundance of zucchini? Zucchini bread, obviously. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, and dessert, it’s never a bad idea to have a loaf on your countertop.
Fruit
Loaf cakes are particularly well-suited for fruity additions like blueberries, rhubarb, apples, and persimmons. See what produce is in season right now, and go from there.
Chocolate, Spices &More
There are a ton of pantry staples you can incorporate into your loaf cakes and quick breads, too. Chocolate is an obvious addition, but don’t forget about tea, olive oil, honey, and spices.
More baking inspiration from Food52
- Our Favorite Fall Baking Recipes
- Our 34 Best Gluten-Free Baking Recipes
- Erin Jeanne McDowell’s Foolproof Tips for Perfect Holiday Pies
- 11 Very Different Ways to Make a Chocolate Chip Cookie
Tags:
- What to Cook
- Banana Bread
- Bread
- Zucchini Bread
See what other Food52 readers are saying.
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Nancy
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Nick
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Written by: Anabelle Doliner
Staff Editor
Popular on Food52
2 Comments
Nancy November 10, 2023
OK this recipe didn't make your list of favorites, but it is a great template for loaf cakes - about 50 varieties using fruit, vegetables, dairy (yogurt or sour cream), sweets like honey or preserves as the featured or main ingredient.
And not mine, so I can recommend it.
Originally from Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Book, 1990, 3rd ed.
https://food52.com/recipes/70645-a-to-z-loaf-or-layer-cake
Nick November 9, 2023
One of my favorite things to make in loaf pans is lasagna :). I'm a terrible person and make it in the small disposable ones so that it's one mean for the both of us, no leftovers, no dirty pan to clean.
