Classic  Sweet Bread

Here's a classic Sweet Bread recipe my family loves that will make your holiday even more special. It's soft and moist on the inside and tastes so nostalgic!

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cup – luke warm whole milk – ▢1 tbsp. – active dry yeast – ▢1 ¼ cup – granulated white sugar – ▢4 - large eggs (room temperature) – ▢4 oz. – unsalted butter (melted and cooled) – ▢½ tsp. – salt – ▢1 tsp. – vanilla extract – ▢6 cups – all-purpose flour – ▢2 cups – golden raisins Braided Bread Egg Wash – ▢1 - large egg – ▢1 tbsp. - whole milk

yield

time

2 Braided Challah

4 hrs 15 mins

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast.

Step 2

Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.

Step 3

Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add the raisins to the mixing bowl and knead the dough for about 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts and roll each part into a long rope.

Step 5

Braid the ropes together to form a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cover the loaf with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size again.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the loaf and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 7

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy your delicious and sweet braided Easter bread with raisins!