Bubble Bread Recipe
Overview:
Bubble Bread is a delightful yeast bread that not only tastes fantastic but also presents beautifully, resembling a crown. Each person can pull off their own serving, making it interactive and fun to eat. Despite its impressive appearance, the steps are straightforward, ensuring a rewarding baking experience. Originating from a cherished Good Housekeeping magazine Christmas recipe, this bread has been a hit for over two decades!
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | About 4 hours before serving or up to 2 days ahead: In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast, and 2 cups of flour. |
| 2 | In a 1-quart saucepan over low heat, warm water and 3 tablespoons of margarine or butter until very warm (120-130°F). |
| 3 | With a mixer on low speed, gradually beat the liquid into the dry ingredients just until blended. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula. |
| 4 | Beat in ¾ cup of flour to make a thick batter, continue beating for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl often. |
| 5 | Using a wooden spoon, stir in 2 ½ cups of flour to make a soft dough. |
| 6 | Turn the dough onto a well-floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, incorporating additional flour (about ¾ cup) as needed. |
| 7 | Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the top with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. (To test if doubled, lightly press two fingers into the dough; if an indentation remains, it’s ready.) |
| 8 | Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Cover it with a bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes for easier handling. |
| 9 | Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Set aside. |
| 10 | Grease a 10-inch tube pan. |
| 11 | Divide the dough in half; then cut each half into 16 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the ends under. |
| 12 | Place half of the dough balls into the greased tube pan, brushing them with half of the melted butter and sprinkling with half of the thyme leaves if using. Repeat with the remaining dough, butter, and herbs. |
| 13 | Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. |
| 14 | Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 15 | Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped lightly with a finger. |
| 16 | Cool the loaf in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, remove the loaf from the pan and serve warm, or cool completely and wrap in foil to reheat later. |
Tips:
- This bread can be made ahead of time; simply wrap it well and reheat before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
- Customize the herbs to suit your taste preferences or omit them altogether for a simpler flavor profile.
- Ensure the water and butter/margarine mixture is warmed to the correct temperature to activate the yeast effectively.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2896.9
- Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4678.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 612.8g
- Fiber: 21.7g
- Sugar: 39.8g
- Protein: 80.2g
Serving Suggestions:
Bubble Bread is perfect for brunches, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress with a delicious homemade bread that’s both healthy and kid-friendly. Serve it alongside soups, salads, or simply with a spread of butter for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy pulling apart and savoring.
