Simple, sweet, and airy, just like grandma used to make! Enjoy this easy recipe for novice or experienced bakers alike.
Sweet bread, Easter bread, conchas and more variations of this baked good using pantry staples can be found around the world. The combination of simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, and eggs has found its way around the world and back to this easy-to-follow recipe. Sweet breads are internationally seen in regions like Italy, Mexico, and Portugal as sugary and light ways to start the day. It’s easy to see why these flavors are universal, as most of the necessary ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen cabinet.
When tackling a new skill such as baking, you might find it easier to start with a recipe such as this one. With only eight ingredients, you will be able to easily execute this bread in your own kitchen. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from baking your own loaf for the family as well—seeing the dough rise in the pan and serving it yourself can be its own reward. You’ll be happy to have taken the time to learn or master this simple yet elegant sweet bread on a quiet morning in your kitchen.
Our simple sweet bread recipe is light, fluffy, and lightly sweetened. You’ll enjoy the airy texture, which pairs nicely with a cup of morning coffee or tea. With a touch of egg yolk and the subtle taste of milk, this effortless loaf does just the right trick for an invitingly elegant breakfast or dessert. You’ll be happy to know that the easiest steps outlined in this recipe will also make the most delicious and moist bread, after all.
Making The Dough
New bakers can often be intimidated when making new dough for the first time and may be wondering how to avoid potential pitfalls. The critical elements of a successful sweet bread include separating the wet and dry ingredients, slowly incorporating the two together, and not overworking the batter. The benefit of using two distinct bowls for wet and dry ingredients before combining means both parts will be independently mixed. When mixing, it is also important to pay attention to the consistency of the dough to see if it is becoming too wet or too dry. Keeping an eye on it will help you adjust your measurements accordingly.
Next, it is best to integrate all elements together by slowly pouring the wet bowl into the dry bowl and only mixing as needed. You can ensure adequate mixing by seeing that there are no clumps of flour visible in the batter. Unfortunately, over-mixing can lead to tougher bread, so looking at the batter as you go is a vital part of the process. With patience and repetition, you can become a master at any dough!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Sweet Bread will last up to five days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer. If kept on your counter, it’s recommended that you tightly wrap your loaf in plastic wrap or a sealed zippered bag to maintain freshness. If frozen, allow your bread to thaw completely before serving.
Is My Sweet Bread Done?
You can check the center of your dough when baking to ensure it is completely cooked. A toothpick can be inserted in the middle of the loaf and will come out completely clean when finished. The edges should have a light golden brown color, and the center will be slightly puffed. After cooking, be sure to allow the loaf to cool completely before cutting.
Can I Make This Healthier?
Yes! You can replace the sugar with a 1:1 substitute (such as monk fruit powder) to make the recipe fit your dietary needs, such as low-carb or keto-friendly. You can also substitute 1/3 of the flour for an alternative, such as almond flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the texture of the bread. The baking times should not be adjusted. However, you can use the same methods to check for your finished bread.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Bread is known as ‘Easter Bread’ in Italian culture, and as you can imagine, it makes the perfect finish to a family feast. You can serve a home cooked spread of Oven Fried Chicken, Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, and Grilled Green Beans on your next special occasion or just a cozy Sunday evening with family. Alongside your loaf, we suggest a smear of butter and jelly.
Of course, you won’t need a holiday to enjoy this delicious bread—just cozy up with a cup of coffee or afternoon tea and enjoy the simple delight. Freshly baked and perfectly delicious—your sweet bread makes the perfect compliment to your own quiet afternoon, too.
Sweet Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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