Looking to impress your family and friends this Easter with a delightful homemade treat? Look no further than this "Easy Easter Sweet Bread"! With its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, this bread is not just a feast for the eyes but also a heavenly delight for the taste buds. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet addition to your holiday table, this recipe is simple enough for even novice bakers to master. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the loaf has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or with your favorite spreads. This sweet bread is perfect for Easter brunch or any special occasion!
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your warm milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C) for optimal activation.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop gluten, resulting in a better texture.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a cozy environment by turning your oven on for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat slices in the toaster for a quick treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
