Portuguese Sweet Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 14g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
7. 7.
   Shape each portion into a round loaf or braid them for a more decorative look.
8. 8.
   Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Cover the dough with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Brush the risen dough with the egg wash.
12. 12.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
14. 14.
    Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the dough to ensure proper incorporation and a better rise.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before shaping.
• To achieve a shiny crust, brush the bread with the egg wash twice during baking, once before placing it in the oven and once halfway through.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the loaf before baking.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To refresh the bread, lightly toast it before serving.
• Serve slices of Portuguese Sweet Bread with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Serving advice

Serve slices of Portuguese Sweet Bread as a delicious accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Portuguese Sweet Bread, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also place a few fresh berries or mint leaves on the side for an extra touch of elegance.