Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe
Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of this homemade Portuguese Sweet Bread, a traditional European treat perfect for sharing with loved ones. This recipe yields three loaves, making it ideal for large gatherings or for enjoying throughout the week. With its healthy ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
- Servings: 36
- Yield: 3 loaves
- Category: Breads
- Keywords: Portuguese, European, Healthy, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Warm water |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| 1 1/2 cups | Sugar |
| 2 tsp | Salt |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 6 cups | Flour |
| 8 – 9 | Active dry yeast |
Instructions:
-
Activate the Yeast:
Sprinkle the active dry yeast into 1/2 cup of warm water, allowing it to activate and dissolve. Set it aside until it becomes frothy and bubbly. -
-
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with milk, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and flour. Knead the mixture well until it forms a smooth and elastic dough. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the bowl with a dry towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature. -
Shape the Loaves:
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into three equal portions and shape them into round loaves. Place the loaves into greased round cake pans, ensuring they have enough space to expand. -
Final Rise and Baking:
Allow the shaped loaves to rise for the second time until they double in size again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the Portuguese Sweet Bread from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for longer preservation.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 173.5
- Total Fat: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 38.7mg
- Sodium: 167.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 8.4g
- Protein: 4.3g
Recipe Notes:
- For added flavor, you can incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract or grated lemon zest into the dough.
- Feel free to customize the sweetness of the bread by adjusting the amount of sugar to your preference.
- If you don’t have round cake pans, you can shape the dough into braided loaves or even individual rolls for a different presentation.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, such as butter, jam, or cheese, making it a versatile option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or spelt, for a nuttier flavor and added nutritional benefits.
With its soft texture, subtly sweet taste, and comforting aroma, this Portuguese Sweet Bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Share it with family and friends to spread the joy of homemade baking! 🍞✨
