Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan - Grease your loaf pan with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will help your bread release easily once it’s done baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients - In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is not too hot; otherwise, it could cook the egg.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Transfer to the Loaf Pan - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Bake - Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly domed.
Step 8: Cool - Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely.
