Easy Beer Bread
This easy beer bread recipe is slightly sweet, a little tangy, and packs in a ton of delicious flavor with just a few simple ingredients. Serve with butter for the ultimate pairing for all your favorite comfort food dishes this season!
This is by far my favorite non-sweet quick breads. The texture is glorious, the taste and flavor outstanding, and it makes for a great bread for sandwiches. And if you toast it and slather it with melted butter, you have the perfect breakfast or snack.
This homemade beer bread also is wonderful served with soup, stews, or pasta.
I remember exactly where I was when I first tasted beer bread. I was at my nephew’s 30th birthday party and I took a bite and thought, I need to make this for the blog.
I made some adjustments in my recipe and since then, Christopher and I have consumed a couple dozen loaves. The rest, as they say, is history.
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Spelt flour – you can also use whole wheat or all purpose flour.
- Almond flour – adds a nice nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark.
- Baking powder – a leavening agent.
- Salt – sea salt.
- Beer – I use an ale, but use what you prefer. I just wouldn’t use stout.
Helpful tips
- Use ale as opposed to something too light like a domestic beer or something too heavy like a stout.
- I use sprouted spelt because I prefer it over non sprouted flour, but use what you have, whether it is whole wheat flour or white all purpose flour. You can even use self-rising flour if you prefer.
- I also use some almond flour. It lends the bread a nutty taste I love. I buy my fine almond flour at Trader Joe’s. If you don’t have almond flour, just add the same amount of whatever flour you’re using.
- You can store this bread in the refrigerator for 7 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and then again if aluminum foil. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for 3 months. If you freeze it, thaw fully before cutting into the loaf.
How to make easy beer bread
Pre-step
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and liberally grease a bread pan. Also get a large bowl and pastry cutter.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – spelt flour, almond flour, beer, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. (A)
Step two
Place all ingredients, except the beer, in a mixing bowl. (B)
Step three
Mix the dry ingredients together with a pastry cutter.
Step four
Pour the bottle of beer in the bowl. (C)
Step five
See how bubbly it gets? That’s normal. (D)
Step six
Take a rubber spatula and fold the ingredients together. The batter should be airy and fluffy so don’t over mix it.
Bake
Step seven
Transfer batter into the greased bread pan. (E) Bake for 35 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.
Step eight
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely. (F)
Wait at least 10 more minutes before cutting into the bread.
Perfect!! Look at how tender it looks. It’s the best beer bread.
Slather some butter on a slice. (Or slather on another topping, like my prune spread or pumpkin butter.)
And take a bite.
Look at that crumb and texture. So good!
I hope you enjoyed this easy beer bread recipe!
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Easy Beer Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Beer Bread Batter
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces beer
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F and liberally grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, add dry ingredients, mix together until combined. I use a pastry blender.2 cups spelt flour, 1 cup almond flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Add beer and stir with a spatula, making sure it is well mixed but don't over mix. The batter should be light and airy.12 ounces beer
- Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 35 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes in pan before removing it from the pan to a wire rack.
- Cut warm with a sharp serrated knife and slather with butter if you desire.
- Eat
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Use ale as opposed to something too light like a domestic beer or something too heavy like a stout.
- I use sprouted spelt because I prefer it over non sprouted flour, but use what you have, whether it is whole wheat flour or white all purpose flour. You can even use self-rising flour if you prefer.
- I also use some almond flour. It lends the bread a nutty taste I love. I buy my fine almond flour at Trader Joe’s. If you don’t have almond flour, just add the same amount of whatever flour you’re using.
- You can store this bread in the refrigerator for 7 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and then again if aluminum foil. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for 3 months. If you freeze it, thaw fully before cutting into the loaf.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
I’ve never tried beer bread, I’m sure it adds such an interesting flavor! Looks like it turned out great!
Thanks Kelly!
I’ve never made or eaten beer bread before, so you’ve got me seriously intrigued. Can’t wait to give this a try. It looks so thick and hearty!
Nicola, is so delicious! Great texture and slightly sweet! Oh, and it has beer in it! 😉
Mine sunk & didn’t cook inside. What did I do wrong? 🙁
I wonder if it is where you live – as in altitude, Gina. What a bummer, I’ve never had a problem but I’m in the Boston area! Maybe it should have been cooked longer?
I put it back in for 25 more minutes & the center was still dough. I live in PA. The edges which cooked were very good though. I want to try again, but I’m not sure what to do differently. Should I cover it maybe? I did use NA beer, does that make a difference?
Interesting, Gina. It shouldn’t make a difference with the non-alcoholic beer. And PA is not high altitude unless you are in the Poconos, and even then that wouldn’t be high altitude. Hmmm. I’ve never heard that happen with the bread. Not sure how to help you adjust the recipe. 🙁
Perfectly delicious, Elaine! I have never made beer bread before but like you beer and bread in the same sentence? What’s not too love?
Lol Beth! Thanks.
Yummy! This looks delicious and I wish I could say I knew how it smells too! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you Luci!
This sounds soooo neat! I always have beer in the fridge haha so why not just use it for bread. Freshly baked bread is absolutely wonderful – the smells right?! 🙂
Exactly Joyce! 🙂
I’ve never tried beer bread but know of other bakers who have made it. Don’t know whether I would really jump at the idea of baking a beer bread as I don’t like beer. Perhaps for my son…umm maybe.
Hehe Mayuri. It’s yummy. You can sort of taste the beer, but it’s not real strong.
This looks like a fantastic bread recipe. I love the healthy ingredients. I will have to try this.
Thanks Katie!
This looks so good and semi-easy to make! I love beer bread, too. It’s so addictive!
Thanks Alexis. It certainly is!
This bread is incredibly tempting Elaine 🙂 Will certainly try it!
Thanks Patty!
I’m going to make this for my Christopher. He will love it! I’m not too bad with spelt either so I’ll be trying a little too. Looks and sounds delicious!
Thank you Gabby! I love the sprouted spelt flour!
Perfect timing! I’m eating a piece slathered with peanut butter and fig spread for lunch today! Love this recipe.
Mmmm. Last piece! I have to make more.
This is the first time I’m hearing about beer bread. Bet it’s delicious, I mean it has beer in it!
How did baby Mitchell like his first taste of (almost) beer? 😉
Jas,
Hehe. Mitchell loved it! 🙂
Can you believe I’ve never had beer bread? Thanks for the easy recipe and useful tips, so now I can make one and taste it! It looks awesome!
I think you would like it Nicoletta! Thanks. I hope you enjoy it if you make it.
LOVE this and how easy it was! Super good toasted, too!
Thanks Paige. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I love it toasted too.
I never tried beer bread, but love the sound and the look of this loaf! I normally make my own sourdough from scratch, but it can be a bit time consuming and lengthily process, so this beer bread would be a great alternative when I’m short on time!
Definitely Anna! It’s super easy and tastes awesome. Enjoy!
Such a unique recipe. Using the spelt and almond flour is a nice change from your average loaf bread. You need to make this!
Thanks Jen. I love using spelt and almond flour together. It gives it such a nutty taste!
I haven’t made beer bread in the longest time. I love that you’ve used alternative flours in this recipe but it still looks light and fluffy.
Thank you Charity! It’s my favorite combination!
Beer bread is on my list of recipe to dos this week! I’ve been looking for an easy version, and this recipe is exactly that. Great flavor, simple ingredients, and perfect for smothering with butter!
Hehe, thanks Sara! I love this bread both toasted and fresh, AND of course, smothered in butter!
This easy beer bread did not disappoint! It was super easy and the flavor was awesome. O will be saving this recipe!
Thanks Heidy! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve been trying to get my fiancé to make bread with me and I finally found the perfect way to do it! He’s a beer lover so I think I he’ll absolute love this recipe!
That’s great Alena! 🙂 I hope you both enjoy it.
I love that you used spelt flour in this recipe. I never tried bread with beer before, but I would definitely love to make this. It looks so good!
Thanks Natalie. It’s so yummy and super easy!
Love how light and fluffy the bread looks. Beer bread has been my favorite bread for long time. I love the fact that you have used healthier alternatives for plain flour!
Thanks Jo, I appreciate it!
Thank you for this recipe! I am always looking for recipes specifically written for spelt flour. I made as written. It did take WAY longer than 35 minutes to bake, but I anticipated that. Next time I will use less brown sugar but otherwise this recipe is perfection. It is my new go-to for beer bread!
I’m glad to hear that, Emily! My oven must be really hot. It seems like things always cook faster for me. Thanks for letting me know.