Portuguese Sweet Bread
Soft, golden, and delicately sweet, Portuguese Sweet Bread is a timeless treat that brings the warmth of traditional baking to your kitchen. This tender, enriched bread is crafted from pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and active dry yeast, with a touch of citrus zest and vanilla adding a bright, aromatic twist. The dough’s silky texture comes from melted butter and eggs, while a glossy egg wash finish gives it an irresistible bakery-style sheen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this delightful bread can be served plain, slathered with butter, or paired with your favorite jam. With its fluffy crumb and subtle sweetness, Portuguese Sweet Bread is an easy-to-make yet impressive addition to your homemade bread repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.5 cups Warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 0.25 cups Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Zest of an orange or lemon
- 0.25 cups Warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the warm milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, orange or lemon zest, and the yeast mixture. Mix well.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook attachment of a stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes or in a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Add a small amount of flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much to keep the dough soft.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for another 45-60 minutes until almost doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the surface of the bread for a glossy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy it plain, with butter, jam, or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2920 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.8 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.6 g | 173% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 327 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 2499 mg | 109% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 528.8 g | 192% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 159.7 g | ||
| Protein | 63.7 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 292 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 969 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
