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The World’s Easiest Yeast Bread: Soft, Fluffy Homemade Loaf in Under 90 Minutes

A close-up of a slice of soft, fluffy yeast bread showing the airy interior and golden-brown crust.
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Learn how to make incredibly soft, fluffy homemade yeast bread using simple ingredients and instant yeast. This beginner-friendly, no-knead recipe guides you through the quick steps to bake a delicious loaf from scratch in about 90 minutes total time.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add 2 cups of the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky but manageable. You do not need to knead this dough extensively; just bring it together.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This quick rise works well with instant yeast.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  7. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  9. Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Using instant yeast allows you to skip the separate step of proofing the yeast in water first, saving you time.
  • For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
  • If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in the oven with just the light on to create a warm proofing spot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easiest-yeast-bread-recipe-soft-fluffy/