Heavenly Braided Sweet Bread
This delightful braided sweet bread recipe comes from my best friend's aunt and has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen! This bread is beautifully braided, resulting in an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for any occasion. The soft, chewy texture combined with the subtle sweetness makes it impossible to resist. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter, or as an indulgent breakfast treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe produces two luscious loaves that are bound to disappear quickly!
16
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/4 cup (warm)
milk
1 1/2 cups (warm)
dry yeast
1 package
margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
sugar
1/2 cup
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
flour
4 1/2 cups (plus more for kneading)
egg
1 (beaten (for brushing))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2
Stir in the melted margarine, sugar, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
3
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
6
Roll each piece into long strips, roughly the length of your baking sheet.
7
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, braid three strips together, tucking the ends underneath. Repeat the process with the remaining three strips to create a second braid.
8
Cover the braids with a clean cloth and let them rise again in a warm place for 1 more hour.
9
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the tops of the braids with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
11
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Braided Sweet Bread?
It is a delightful, soft, and chewy yeast bread with a subtle sweetness, featuring an eye-catching braided design.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe produces two luscious loaves.
How long should the yeast mixture sit?
The combination of warm water, warm milk, and dry yeast should sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
What temperature should the water and milk be?
The water and milk should be warm to properly activate the dry yeast.
Can I substitute the margarine?
While the recipe calls for melted margarine, butter can often be used as a substitute in yeast breads.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long is the first rising period?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
How many pieces should the dough be divided into?
The dough should be divided into 6 equal pieces to create two separate braids.
How do I form the braids?
Roll each of the 6 pieces into long strips, then braid three strips together for each loaf, tucking the ends underneath.
Is there a second rise required?
Yes, the braided loaves need to rise again in a warm place for 1 additional hour.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I achieve a golden finish on the bread?
Brush the tops of the braids with a beaten egg before placing them in the oven.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread bakes for 30 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the tops are golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Why should the bread cool on a wire rack?
Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this bread provide?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Yeast Bread.
Can this bread be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, it is described as an indulgent breakfast treat.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 cups of flour, plus extra for kneading.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
What type of yeast is used?
The recipe calls for 1 package of dry yeast.
What should I do after the first rise?
Punch the dough down and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
Where does this recipe come from?
This recipe comes from the creator's best friend's aunt.
Is this recipe suitable for sharing?
Yes, it is perfect for sharing with family and friends and makes two loaves.
How should the bread be served?
It is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, potentially slathered with butter.
What equipment is needed for baking?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a parchment-lined baking sheet, and a wire rack.