Are you craving a taste of sunshine? Look no further than this delightful Portuguese Sweet Bread recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, resulting in a golden-brown loaf with a subtly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – a comforting blend of warm bread and subtle sweetness. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey to the heart of Portuguese cuisine, a delicious addition to any meal or a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, leading to a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. Then, gently stir in the melted butter. Make sure the butter is cooled to avoid killing the yeast.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easier to handle.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is an excellent place for this.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious homemade Portuguese Sweet Bread!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Make it sweeter: Increase the sugar to ¾ cup.
- Add nuts and raisins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds) and raisins before the second rise.
- Make mini loaves: Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per slice):
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the ingredients used. Approximate values are:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 5-7g
This Portuguese Sweet Bread recipe is a wonderful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!