Sweet Italian Bread
Indulge in the comforting sweetness of homemade Sweet Italian Bread, a soft and fluffy loaf that combines simple ingredients with a touch of European charm. Perfectly golden with a shiny, egg-washed crust, this versatile bread balances a subtle sweetness with rich buttery flavors, making it ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or pairing with your favorite jam or butter. Made from pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs, this recipe highlights traditional kneading and rising techniques for that perfect airy texture. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a delightful toast the next morning, this sweet Italian bread is a must-try for any home baker. Plus, with just 20 minutes of prep time and a gorgeous finish, it's as rewarding to make as it is to eat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.33 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1.33 cups Water, lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.25 cups Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large Egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix well.
Add the lukewarm water, eggs, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough forms a soft and slightly sticky ball.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5-6 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves. Transfer the shaped dough to a greased baking sheet or loaf pans.
Cover the dough loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
273 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.7 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 213 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 76 mg | 2% | |
*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.
