Moravian Lovefeast Bread (Bread Machine Recipe)
Recipe Overview
Moravian Lovefeast Bread is a delightful, aromatic sweet bread traditionally made for the Christmas Eve services of the Moravian Church. This soft, fluffy bread, shaped like sweet rolls, is typically enjoyed after church services as part of the Lovefeast meal, accompanied by coffee or tea. With the help of a bread machine, this recipe brings the delicious flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest straight to your home. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, coffee time, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this sweet Moravian bread using your bread machine:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry yeast | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Bread flour | 2 cups |
| Orange zest | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground mace | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | 2 1/2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Mashed potatoes | 4 tablespoons |
| Water (warm) | 1/3 cup |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1361.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 255.5 mg |
| Sodium | 2088.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 244.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g |
| Sugars | 39.5 g |
| Protein | 39.5 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect loaf of Moravian Lovefeast Bread using your bread machine. The process is quick and easy, giving you a warm, fresh loaf of sweet bread to enjoy!
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Prepare the ingredients: Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures they will mix and rise properly in the bread machine.
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Load the bread machine: Add the ingredients into the bread machine in the order specified in your bread machine’s manual. Most machines recommend adding the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, with the yeast placed last on top. For this recipe, that means:
- Add water, mashed potatoes, and egg first.
- Then, add the butter, sugar, salt, and spices (nutmeg, mace, and orange zest).
- Finally, top everything off with the bread flour and dry yeast.
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Select your settings: Set your bread machine to the standard bread setting, typically the “Basic” or “White Bread” cycle, depending on your model. Select a “light” crust setting to achieve a soft and fluffy texture on the outside of the loaf.
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Let the machine work: The bread machine will knead the dough, allow it to rise, and bake it to perfection. This process will take about 2 hours, depending on your machine.
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Cool and serve: Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the machine and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This sweet bread is best enjoyed fresh, either for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside coffee.
Tips for Perfect Moravian Lovefeast Bread:
- Fresh ingredients: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. This is key to ensuring a soft, fluffy loaf of bread.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ingredients such as butter, eggs, and water should be at room temperature to allow the dough to rise properly.
- Bread flour: Use high-quality bread flour to achieve the best texture. It has more protein than all-purpose flour, helping the dough rise beautifully and resulting in a soft, airy loaf.
- Flavor variations: If you like, you can add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to give the bread an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Just slice and freeze, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Moravian Lovefeast Bread is the perfect addition to any holiday table, offering both tradition and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas Eve gathering or enjoying it on a cozy morning with a cup of coffee, this easy-to-make bread will fill your home with the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh-baked goodness. Thanks to the bread machine, it’s a hassle-free recipe that lets you enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort.
