Sweet bread

Sweet bread – a classic recipe, full of flavor and memories, that brings us back to moments spent with loved ones around the table. This bread is perfect for breakfast, but also as a sweet snack throughout the day. I will guide you step by step to achieve an extraordinary sweet bread, with a golden crust and a fluffy crumb.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (ideally type 650 for a fluffy result)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 300 g sugar (divided: 3 tablespoons for activating the yeast and the rest for the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 egg (for the dough)
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden crust)
- 300 g warm milk (approximately 37-40°C, to activate the yeast)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps to aerate the flour and achieve a fine texture for the dough. Make a well in the center of the flour.

2. Activating the yeast: In the well made in the flour, add the cubed margarine, the yeast cube, the egg, the salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix gently with a fork or your fingers, so that the yeast partially dissolves.

3. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate, forming air bubbles that will make the dough fluffy.

4. Kneading the dough: After 15 minutes, add the remaining sugar and start kneading the dough. Gradually add the warm milk, continuing to knead until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous. Finally, incorporate the 50 g of oil (or melted margarine) and knead again for a few minutes.

5. Letting it rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in size. This can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the ambient temperature.

6. Braiding: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into 3 equal parts and shape them into rolls. Braid the 3 rolls, making sure to pinch the ends tightly to prevent them from unraveling.

7. Egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the braided bread with it. This step will give a delicious sheen and a beautiful golden color.

8. Baking: Place the bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put it in the preheated oven at 180°C (moderate heat). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, brush it with a little oil to retain moisture. Cover with a plastic bag and a towel to keep it warm and soft. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Serving suggestions: Sweet bread is delicious served plain, but you can also add a drizzle of jam, honey, or butter for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, turning breakfast into a special moment.

Possible variations: You can experiment by adding flavors such as vanilla essence or lemon zest to the dough. Additionally, you can add raisins or nuts for extra texture.

Nutritional information: A slice of sweet bread (approximately 50 g) contains about 150-200 calories, providing carbohydrates for energy, but it is recommended to be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the dough doesn't rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid quantity.
- How do I keep the sweet bread fresh? Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or a paper bag and keep it at room temperature. To keep it longer, you can freeze it.

Enjoy this sweet bread recipe and the pleasant moments spent in the kitchen! Each bite will remind you of the taste of childhood and the beautiful times spent with family. Enjoy your meal!