Let’s introduce you to the beauty of Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe! This delicacy is more than a simple bread ��� it’s an experience. Soft, fluffy, subtly sweet, beautifully golden, and absolutely irresistible ��� this is what Portuguese Sweet Bread is all about. Traditionally baked during Easter, this gorgeous bread is a perfect match for your breakfast, brunch, or tea-time round the year. Trust me, y’all gonna love having a bite of this sensational loaf.
Why you’d adore it, you ask? Well, imagine dipping a piece of this sumptuously soft bread into your morning coffee or better yet, spreading some creamy butter over a warm slice. Pure bliss, right? That’s the magic of this touch of Portugal. Not to mention, it’s not at all a hassle to make, even for baking newbies out there!
Now let’s get to the details, shall we?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 hours (includes dough rising time)
- Servings: 16 pieces
- Yield: 1 loaf
Oh, you can already smell the sweet aroma, can you? Good! Now let’s hop on to the actual recipe. Ready to bake some magic?
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 4.5 cups Bread Flour
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 3/4 cups Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Warm Water
- 1 tbsp Grated Lemon Zest
For the equipment, a wide mixing bowl, a mixer, and a baking pan would suffice.
The key ingredient here is the active dry yeast that allows the dough to rise, giving that soft and spongy texture. If bread flour isn’t available, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. Also, the lemon zest adds a refreshing flavor to the bread, but you can skip it if preferred.
How To Make Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe
- Start by activating the yeast in warm water and let it rest for 10 minutes. This prepares the yeast to work its magic in the dough.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients- flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then add milk, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Stir well.
- Gradually blend the wet mixture into the dry ones.
- Knead the dough until it’s elastic and smooth. Now, let it rise for about 2 hours. Remember, patience is the key!
- Punch down the risen dough and shape into a round loaf before placing it on a lightly greased baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350��F.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until it gets a beautiful golden brown color.
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast might not foam up well and the bread won’t rise properly.
- Use warm milk and water. If too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- Do not be tempted to add extra flour while kneading.
Storage Tips
- Cool the bread completely before storing.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap or an airtight bag. It can last for up to 3 days at room temperature, and even a week in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. But remember, different yeast has a different rise time.
Q: Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
A: Yes, though the texture might differ slightly. But almond milk can give a unique flavor to your bread.
Q: Any specific type of sugar to use?
A: White granulated sugar is typically used, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a unique twist.
Q: Can I knead the bread without a mixer?
A: Yes! You can absolutely knead the dough by hand. It might require a bit of effort but it works!
Q: My bread didn’t rise. What might have gone wrong?
A: The most probable reason could be that your yeast was not fresh or the milk and water were too hot.
Nutritional Facts of Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe
Each serving of this scrumptious bread provides you with approximately 250 calories, 5 grams of protein, 11 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Portuguese Sweet Bread is a definite must-try! It can be the star of your next brunch or the secret element for a cozy evening. This bread pairs beautifully with salted butter, jam, or even on its own. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the dough, and let’s get the magic of Portugal into your kitchen! Happy baking, folks!
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