Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, but short on time? This Italian Sweet Bread recipe, made effortlessly in your bread machine, is the perfect solution! Forget about kneading and lengthy rising times; this recipe delivers a soft, subtly sweet bread bursting with delightful Italian flavors, all with minimal effort. It's the perfect addition to any meal, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade bread without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Pour the warm water into your bread machine pan, followed by the 2 tablespoons of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will result in a lighter loaf.
- Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the bread machine pan. If your machine has a specific order for ingredients, follow that.
- Select the "dough" or "basic" setting on your bread machine. Follow your bread machine's instructions for adding ingredients and selecting the correct cycle.
Step 2: Adding Flavor
- Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and gently knead in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using). A few turns will suffice.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great spot for rising.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle the top of the risen loaf generously with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 4: Cooling and Enjoying
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents a soggy bottom.
Tips for the Best Italian Sweet Bread:
- Use a good quality active dry yeast for best results. Expired yeast can lead to a dough that doesn't rise properly.
- Don't over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Check the internal temperature of the bread with a food thermometer. It should reach 200°F (93°C) for optimal doneness.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Incorporate raisins, cranberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious twist.
- Citrus variations: Experiment with orange zest instead of lemon, or a combination of both!
- Glaze: Brush the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for extra sweetness and shine.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Protein: 4-6g
This information is approximate and can vary based on ingredients used and portion size.
This easy Italian Sweet Bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the satisfaction of making something truly special from scratch! It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste and preferences, making it a staple in your homemade bread repertoire. Happy baking!