Introducing a timeless classic in the world of baking: the Basic Rich Sweet Yeast Dough. This recipe harks back to a bygone era, where the art of slow fermentation and rich ingredients created wonders like coffee cakes, babka, buns, and so much more. What sets this dough apart is its luxurious richness and its requirement for a lengthy resting period, making it an ideal make-ahead option for those who plan their baking adventures in advance.
Preparation Time:
This recipe is not for the hurried baker, as it demands a bit of patience. With a prep time of 24 hours and a total time of 24 hours and 30 minutes, it requires forethought and planning. But fear not, the results will undoubtedly be worth the wait.
Ingredients:
Let’s delve into the luscious list of ingredients that make this dough so decadent:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 6-8 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Shredded coconut (optional)
Nutritional Information:
Before we proceed further, let’s take a moment to understand the nutritional profile of this indulgent dough. Each serving, packed with flavor and richness, delivers approximately 1036.2 calories. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but every bite is a celebration of taste and tradition.
- Fat Content: 38.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 22.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 279.1mg
- Sodium Content: 467.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 152.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.9g
- Sugar Content: 53.5g
- Protein Content: 19.3g
Instructions:
Now, let’s embark on the journey of creating this delectable dough. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure the perfect outcome:
- Begin by dissolving the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and set it aside until it becomes foamy, a sign that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
- In a separate pan, heat the milk, shortening, sugar, and salt until the shortening melts. Allow this mixture to cool until it reaches a warm temperature.
- Once cooled, add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and whole eggs to the milk mixture. Beat this concoction well by hand, ensuring that all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Gradually add 6 cups of flour and the ground cardamom to the mixture, beating continuously by hand until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it well, adding additional flour as needed, until it achieves the desired consistency.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, ensuring that it is coated with oil on all sides. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it doubles in volume, a process that may take some time but is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and cover it again. Refrigerate the dough overnight in a large bowl, allowing it to develop complex flavors and textures.
- When you’re ready to use the dough, punch it down again and knead it briefly to bring it back to room temperature.
- Now comes the fun part – shaping the dough according to your desires. Whether you’re making coffee cakes, sweet breads, buns, or braids, this dough is incredibly versatile.
- If you’re opting for braids, divide the dough into three strands, braid them, and tuck the ends under. For buns or loaves, shape the dough accordingly.
- Brush the shaped dough with melted butter, a step that adds a golden sheen and irresistible flavor.
- Place the dough on baking sheets or pans and let it rise again until it doubles in volume, a sign that it’s ready to be baked to perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the dough for approximately 30 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is tested done.
- Once baked, remove the dough from the pans or baking sheet and let it cool on a rack, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- While the dough is still warm, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious icing over the warm cake or bread, adding a touch of sweetness and decadence.
- With this recipe, you can expect to yield approximately 6 buns, 4 small braids, or 2 large loaves of heavenly goodness.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, the Basic Rich Sweet Yeast Dough is a testament to the beauty of traditional baking techniques and quality ingredients. While it may require a bit of time and effort, the end result is a versatile dough that can be transformed into a myriad of delectable treats. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of baking in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Happy baking!
