Golden Crusted European Sweet Bread

Avanti’s Sweet Bread Recipe

Overview

Avanti’s Sweet Bread is a delightful European-style yeast bread that is not only delicious but also relatively quick to make, perfect for those who enjoy baking at home. This recipe yields two oblong loaves, each about 14 inches long, making it ideal for sharing or freezing for later enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 2 loaves
• Calories: 471.6 per serving
• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

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   • In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, egg, salt, sugar, and the yeast mixture. Stir well until everything is thoroughly blended.

3. Incorporate Flour:

   • Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.

5. First Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Second Kneading and Rise:

   • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Shape each piece into oblong loaves, approximately 14 inches long.

7. Final Rise:

   • Place the shaped loaves onto greased cookie sheets. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 50-60 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This final rise ensures that the bread becomes light and airy when baked.

8. Prepare for Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 15 minutes of the final rise. Just before baking, you can optionally slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife to create a decorative pattern.

9. Bake:

   • Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end.

10. Cool and Enjoy:

    • Once baked, transfer the loaves to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked Avanti’s Sweet Bread with butter, jam, or as part of a delicious sandwich.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 471.6
• Total Fat: 3.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 46.5mg
• Sodium: 312.8mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 97.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 25.2g
• Protein: 12g

Tips for Success

• Ensure the water used for activating the yeast is warm (about 110°F or 45°C) to facilitate proper yeast activation.
• Use bread flour for this recipe as it has a higher protein content, which helps in developing the gluten structure necessary for good bread texture.
• Allow adequate rising times, as they are crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in the bread.
• Keep an eye on the bread while baking to prevent over-browning; you may need to tent loosely with foil if the tops darken too quickly.

Variations

• Raisin Bread: Add a cup of raisins during the mixing process for a fruity twist.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar together and swirl through the dough before shaping for a delightful cinnamon bread.
• Herb Bread: Add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a savory option.

Storage

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaves for longer storage; slice before freezing for easier thawing and toasting.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Avanti’s Sweet Bread warm with a spread of butter or jam for breakfast or brunch.
• Use slices of this bread to make sandwiches with your favorite fillings like deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
• Toast leftover slices and serve with soups or salads for a hearty meal.

This recipe for Avanti’s Sweet Bread is a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire, offering a homemade treat that is both comforting and delicious. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.