If you’re looking for a delightful pastry that satisfies your sweet tooth, look no further than sugar bread. With its soft and fluffy texture paired with a sweet and sugary flavor, this treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Making sugar bread from scratch is easier than you think, and in this article, we will guide you through the process step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make your own delicious sugar bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add in the melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, whisked egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while stirring continuously. Keep mixing until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more warm milk. Conversely, if it’s too wet, you can sprinkle in some additional flour.
4. Once the dough is well combined, transfer it onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Sugar Bread
1. After the dough has risen sufficiently, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface once again.
2. Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how big you want your sugar bread to be. Roll each portion into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball and create a small well in the center. Fill the well with your favorite sugar-based filling, such as brown sugar or cinnamon sugar.
4. Gather the sides of the dough and seal the edges, shaping it back into a ball. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed.
5. Place each filled dough ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for rising.
| Baking time | Oven temperature |
|---|---|
| 15-20 minutes | 350°F (175°C) |
Step 3: Bake and Enjoy
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the filled dough balls undergo their final rise, approximately 20-30 minutes.
2. Once the dough has slightly risen, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
3. Bake the sugar bread for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
4. Remove the bread from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
5. Enjoy your freshly baked sugar bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or simply savor the sweetness on its own.
With this simple recipe, you can easily make sugar bread from scratch and indulge in its delightful flavor. Whether for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even dessert, sugar bread is a versatile treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a sugar bread-making adventure!