🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍞 Breads > 🇬🇭 Ghana Breads > 🍞 Ghana Butter Bread , Ghana Tea Bread , Ghana Coconut Bread
🍞 Beginner-Friendly Ghana Bread Recipes You Can Bake Tonight
Introduction
When people think of Ghanaian food, they often picture spicy soups, jollof rice, or grilled tilapia — but Ghana also has a sweet, cozy side: its breads. Whether it’s the irresistible smell of freshly baked butter bread in the morning or a slice of soft tea bread shared with friends over hot Milo, bread is a true symbol of warmth and community in Ghana.
Across the country, bakeries start working before sunrise. The scent of rising dough fills the air as loaves are delivered to homes and roadside stalls. Ghanaian bread isn’t just food — it’s culture, comfort, and connection. Each loaf tells a story of colonial influence, local creativity, and the love Ghanaians have for rich, flavorful baking.
In this article, we’ll explore three of Ghana’s most popular and beginner-friendly bread recipes you can easily make at home — no fancy tools required:
1.Ghana Butter Bread – rich, soft, and slightly sweet.
2.Ghana Tea Bread – airy, mildly tangy, and perfect for breakfast.
3.Ghana Coconut Bread – a tropical twist that’s sweet and fragrant.
Let’s preheat that oven and dive into the delicious world of Ghanaian baking!
🔹 Recipe 1: Ghana Butter Bread
About this Recipe
If you’ve ever strolled through a Ghanaian market in the morning, you’ve probably seen golden loaves of Butter Bread stacked high. It’s one of Ghana’s best-loved breads — rich, soft, and slightly sweet. It gets its signature aroma and tenderness from butter (or margarine), milk, and a touch of sugar.
Butter bread is enjoyed with tea, eaten alongside stews, or simply spread with jam. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple enough for beginners yet tastes like something straight from a Ghanaian bakery.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 4 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp butter or margarine (softened)
- 1 cup warm milk (or water)
- 1 egg (optional, for richness)
- 1 tbsp powdered milk (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2.Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and powdered milk.
3.Add wet ingredients:
Pour in the yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
4.Knead the dough:
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5.First rise:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
6.Shape and rise again:
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased baking pan. Let it rise another 30–40 minutes.
7.Bake:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
8.Cool and serve:
Brush the top with a little melted butter for shine and softness. Let cool before slicing.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Use warm milk, not hot — too hot will kill the yeast.
- Don’t add too much flour; a slightly sticky dough gives a softer loaf.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla or nutmeg.
FAQ
Q: Can I make butter bread without milk?
A: Yes! You can substitute water, but milk makes the bread richer and softer.
Q: Why did my bread turn dense?
A: It’s likely under-kneaded or didn’t rise long enough. Let the dough double in size before baking.
Q: How do I store it?
A: Wrap in foil or plastic; it stays soft for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Summary
Ghana Butter Bread is the perfect beginner loaf — buttery, soft, and slightly sweet. It pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or even savory dishes. Once you bake it, you’ll understand why Ghanaians love it so much!
🔹 Recipe 2: Ghana Tea Bread
About this Recipe
Tea Bread (Bofrot brodo in some regions) is Ghana’s lighter, airier cousin to Butter Bread. It’s less sweet, with a slightly tangy flavor that comes from fermenting the dough overnight. This bread is a favorite for breakfast or snacks — usually served with margarine, avocado, or sardines.
It’s simple to make, and the results are amazing — soft on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on the outside.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice (for light tang)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Activate yeast:
Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2.Mix dough:
In a large bowl, add flour, salt, butter, and yeast mixture. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for that signature tea bread flavor.
3.Knead:
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4.First rise:
Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
5.Shape the dough:
Divide into two portions, shape into oval loaves, and place on a baking tray.
6.Second rise:
Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
7.Bake:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
8.Cool:
Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much flour can make the bread dense — keep the dough soft.
- For authentic Ghanaian texture, you can let the dough rest overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Brush with a bit of water before baking for a crispier crust.
FAQ
Q: Why is it called Tea Bread?
A: Because it’s often served with tea or breakfast drinks in Ghana.
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes! Vegetable oil works fine — it makes the bread softer.
Q: How do I make it more tangy?
A: Add a bit more vinegar or let it ferment longer before baking.
Summary
Ghana Tea Bread is perfect if you love light, fluffy bread with a touch of tang. It’s easy to bake and goes with everything — from sweet spreads to savory toppings.
🔹 Recipe 3: Ghana Coconut Bread
About this Recipe
If you’re a fan of tropical flavors, Coconut Bread will quickly become your favorite. This Ghanaian twist combines the comforting texture of soft bread with the sweetness and aroma of coconut. It’s often enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or sweet breakfast treat.
It’s slightly denser than tea bread but wonderfully moist — every bite bursts with coconut flavor.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup warm water
- 3 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Activate yeast:
In a small bowl, mix warm water with 1 tbsp sugar and yeast. Let it foam for 10 minutes.
2.Combine dry ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and grated coconut.
3.Add wet ingredients:
Pour in yeast mixture, coconut milk, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
4.Knead:
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
5.First rise:
Cover and let it rest for 1 hour or until doubled.
6.Shape and rise again:
Shape into a loaf or rolls and place in a greased pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
7.Bake:
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
8.Cool and serve:
Let cool slightly, then brush the top with a bit of coconut milk or melted butter for shine.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use cold coconut milk; room temperature works best for proper yeast activation.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle toasted coconut on top before baking.
- If using desiccated coconut, add 1–2 tbsp more liquid to keep the dough moist.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this bread vegan?
A: Yes! Just use coconut oil instead of butter and skip the milk — it’ll still be delicious.
Q: How sweet is this bread?
A: It’s mildly sweet. You can adjust sugar to your liking.
Q: Can I add raisins or nuts?
A: Absolutely — chopped almonds or raisins make great add-ins!
Summary
Ghana Coconut Bread is a tropical delight that’s soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet. Perfect for pairing with coffee, tea, or as a dessert — it’s a true comfort bake.
Final Thoughts
Baking bread from scratch can sound intimidating, but these Ghanaian recipes prove it’s actually easy — and fun! Each loaf tells a story of Ghana’s rich food heritage:
- Butter Bread for comfort and simplicity,
- Tea Bread for light, airy mornings, and
- Coconut Bread for tropical sweetness.
You don’t need a professional mixer or fancy oven to enjoy authentic Ghanaian bread. Just your hands, a little patience, and a warm kitchen.
So why not pick one recipe tonight? Once you taste that freshly baked loaf — golden, warm, and soft — you’ll understand why bread is at the heart of every Ghanaian meal.
Happy baking, and may your home smell like a Ghanaian bakery tonight 🇬🇭🍞✨
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