Making Quick Breads

We've selected five quick bread recipes, including traditional and contemporary ones, that offer a range of flavors and textures. Citrus fruit stars in two of our classic breads—one is enlivened with orange zest, the other with lemon. Both breads are drizzled with citrus syrup, which adds a refreshing tang. Our almond bread, laced with poppy seeds, gets a flavor boost from almond paste.
For something a bit different, try the sour cream-maple bread, enriched with sour cream and sweetened with maple syrup. The hearty fig-date bread makes an excellent addition to an after-dinner cheese plate and is especially good topped with cream cheese.
Quick bread batter is very versatile. Instead of baking one standard-size loaf, as these recipes suggest, you can make mini-loaves or even muffins (you will need to adjust the baking time). Whatever shape they take, quick breads are proof of how easy home baking can be.