Step into the warm embrace of Grandma's kitchen with this delightful recipe for Portuguese Sweet Bread! This soft, pillowy loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a slice of nostalgia that transports you to family gatherings filled with laughter and love. With a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of nutmeg, this sweet bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon snack. Ready to bake a loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well using a whisk to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C), 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk these wet ingredients together until fully combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise again for about 15-20 minutes, until it puffs up slightly.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the sweet bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy Grandma's Portuguese Sweet Bread plain, or serve it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Use Warm Milk: Ensure your milk is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. If it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly.
- Knead Thoroughly: Don’t rush the kneading process! Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Let It Rise: For the best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on to create a cozy environment for rising.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, keep an eye on the bread. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the texture and makes for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with Toppings: Enjoy the bread plain, or elevate it with your favorite toppings! Butter, jam, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can take this delightful treat to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
