12 Irresistible Summer Bread Recipes You Must Try Now

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There’s something special about summer baking—fresh ingredients, warm air, and the comforting aroma of homemade bread. From juicy blueberry loaves to crusty ciabatta, few things beat the joy of slicing into a loaf you made yourself. Looking to bring more seasonal flavour into your kitchen this summer?

This blog has you covered with 12 irresistible summer bread recipes that celebrate the season’s best. From sweet fruit-studded loaves to savoury herb-packed bakes, these recipes are perfect for sunny mornings, backyard gatherings, or any time you want a little homemade comfort.

1. Irish Soda Bread

No yeast? No problem. This quick no yeast bread has a rustic crust and a tender centre, perfect with cheese or butter.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.
4. Shape into a round loaf and cut a deep X on top.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
6. Cool slightly before slicing.

2. Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, this sunny loaf is perfect for summer mornings or afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, yoghurt, oil, and lemon zest.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in blueberries.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
6. Cool before serving. Optional: drizzle with lemon glaze.

Also Read: Must Try Easy Bread Recipes for Dinner

3. Classic Ciabatta

A rustic Italian bread with a chewy crust and light, airy crumb. Ideal for summer sandwiches, bruschetta, or olive oil dipping.

Ingredients:

For the starter (biga):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup room-temperature water

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup room-temperature water
• All of the prepared biga

Recipe:

1. Mix the biga ingredients in a bowl. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Add the biga and water. Mix into a sticky dough.
3. Knead using a stand mixer or by hand, doing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
4. Transfer to a floured surface. Divide in half and gently shape into rectangles.
5. Place on floured parchment or a baking sheet. Let rise for 45–60 minutes.
6. Bake at 450°F for 20–25 minutes with steam in the oven (use a tray of water on the bottom rack).
7. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

4. Summer Fruit Bread and Butter Pudding

A custardy, fruity twist on a classic dessert, this bread pudding uses leftover bread and whatever berries or fruits you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices brioche or challah
• 1 cup mixed summer fruits (berries, peaches, cherries)
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup cream
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a baking dish.
2. Layer bread and fruits in the dish.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla.
4. Pour over the bread and press gently.
5. Let soak for 10 minutes, then bake for 40 minutes.
6. Serve warm or cold with a dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Cheddar Chive Cornbread

This savoury cornbread with a hint of cheese and herbs is the ultimate BBQ side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp chopped chives

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a square baking pan.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in milk and egg until smooth.
4. Fold in cheese and chives.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.

6. Orange Poppy Seed Bread

Bright and citrusy with a nutty crunch from poppy seeds, this loaf is refreshing and light.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, zest, and poppy seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, mix milk, oil, and egg.
4. Add wet to dry and stir until combined.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Cool and drizzle with orange glaze if desired.

Also read: Zucchini bread recipe

7. Rustic No-Knead Bread

This low-effort, high-reward bread is crusty on the outside and soft inside—ideal for dipping or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups water

Recipe:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until shaggy dough forms.
2. Cover and let rise at room temp for 12–18 hours.
3. Shape into a ball and rest for 30 mins.
4. Bake in a preheated Dutch oven at 450°F: 30 mins covered, 15 uncovered.
5. Cool before slicing.

Also read: Bread Samosa Sandwich Recipe

8. Peach Thyme Focaccia

This sweet-savoury focaccia is a stunning addition to any summer spread, pairing ripe peaches with earthy thyme and sea salt.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 ripe peach, sliced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Flaky salt for topping

Recipe:

1. Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil to form a dough.
2. Let rise for 1 hour, then press into a greased baking tray.
3. Press peach slices and thyme onto the dough.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt.
5. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
6. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

9. Tomato Basil Quick Bread

This savoury quick bread packs sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into every bite—great for sandwiches or alongside soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup oil
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and oil.
4. Fold in tomatoes and basil.
5. Pour into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes. Cool before slicing.

Also read: Banana Walnut Bread Recipe

10. Maple Oat Bread

Soft, slightly sweet, and speckled with oats, this comforting loaf pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or creamy cheeses.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

Recipe:

1. Pour boiling water over oats. Let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in maple syrup and warm milk. Add yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Mix in flour, salt, and butter. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise for 1 hour. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased pan.
5. Let rise again, then bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
6. Cool before slicing.

11. Strawberry Ricotta Bread

Creamy ricotta keeps this bread ultra-moist, while strawberries add pops of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold in strawberries.
6. Pour into the pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.

Also read: Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe

12. Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This classic loaf features a gooey cinnamon sugar centre—ideal for toast or French toast.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Recipe:

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and butter. Knead into a dough.
2. Let it rise until doubled. Roll out into a rectangle.
3. Sprinkle it with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly.
4. Place in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again.
5. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
6. Cool before slicing.

Also read: Garlic Bread Recipe

Conclusion

Summer is the perfect season to embrace the joy of baking with fresh, vibrant ingredients that celebrate the best of the season. These 12 irresistible bread recipes offer something for every palate—whether you’re craving a sweet citrus loaf, a savoury herbed focaccia, or a hearty slice of oat bread. With options that are both simple and sophisticated, there’s never been a better time to preheat your oven and get creative. So whether you’re hosting a sunny brunch, bringing a dish to a picnic, or just treating yourself, let these summer breads bring warmth, flavour, and a little homemade magic to your table. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I incorporate seasonal ingredients into my summer bread recipes?

Seasonal ingredients are a great way to elevate your summer breads with fresh, vibrant flavours. Try folding berries like blueberries, cranberries or raspberries into your batter for a juicy, fruity twist. Summer squash adds moisture and a light texture, especially in quick bread recipes. Tomatoes work beautifully in savoury options—think tomato basil bread—while fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme bring aromatic depth to rustic loaves. Whether sweet or savoury, seasonal produce makes each bite feel like summer.

What types of bread are best served cold during the summer months?

Sweet and moist breads tend to taste even better when chilled. Breads made with fruits or yoghurt, like banana coconut loaf, maple oat bread, or strawberry ricotta bread, develop a deeper flavour as they sit in the fridge. They’re refreshing straight from the refrigerator, making them ideal for breakfast on a hot morning or a light afternoon treat.

What are some creative toppings or spreads for summer breads?

Toppings can completely transform a simple loaf into something special. Try a spoonful of fruit compote or homemade berry jam on your favourite sweet bread. A dollop of whipped cream or a spread of mascarpone pairs perfectly with citrus or berry loaves. For savoury breads like ciabatta, go with a bright pesto with lemon juice sprinkled or herbed cream cheese. Nut butters like almond or peanut butter also bring richness and are delicious on banana or oat-based slices. The right topping adds texture, flavour, and a summery flair to every bite.