Challah II With Maple Syrup Glaze (Eggless Version) 🍞🍁

Overview:

This delightful Challah recipe offers a twist with its eggless variation, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. It’s a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, resulting in a delectable loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a leisurely breakfast or a cozy brunch with loved ones. With just a hint of maple syrup glaze, it adds a unique sweetness that elevates this traditional bread to new heights of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially if you have a KitchenAid mixer or a trusty bread machine at your disposal. Let’s dive into the details and create this mouthwatering Challah together! 🥖✨

Ingredients:

1/2 cup warm water
3 tablespoons sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for the glaze)

Instructions:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s perfectly heated and ready for your Challah.
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Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In the bowl of your mixer, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and sugar mixture, then gently mix it in. Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Combine Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the remaining ingredients into the mixing bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, salt, and any additional flavorings or mix-ins you desire.
Mix the Dough: Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the ingredients together on a medium speed for approximately 6 minutes. This helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving your Challah its characteristic texture.
Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise. Allow the dough to double in size, which typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in bulk, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles that may have formed during the rising process.
Shape the Challah: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each portion into long strands, then braid them together, tucking the ends under to create a neat finish.
Second Rise: Place the braided Challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise again until it doubles in size. This typically takes another 30 to 45 minutes.
Glaze with Maple Syrup: Just before baking, generously brush the Challah with maple syrup. This adds a delightful sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden crust during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the prepared Challah to the preheated oven and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until it turns a gorgeous golden brown color. You can also check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the Challah – it should sound hollow when it’s ready.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Challah from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful bread warm or at room temperature, with your favorite spreads or accompaniments.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 392.6
Fat: 5.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 779.1mg
Carbohydrates: 74.6g
Fiber: 2.8g
Sugar: 6.5g
Protein: 9.9g

Recipe Notes:

Bread Machine Option: If you prefer using a bread machine, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and kneading the dough. Once the dough has risen, shape it into a Challah loaf and proceed with the remaining steps as outlined above.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor. Additionally, experiment with different glazes or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Storage: Store any leftover Challah in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage, reheating them in the oven or toaster when ready to enjoy.

This Challah II With Maple Syrup Glaze (Eggless Version) is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the timeless appeal of Challah bread with a modern twist. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, it’s sure to impress with its soft texture, delightful flavor, and enticing aroma. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some delicious memories together! 🌟🍞