Sweet Bread Recipe

Sweet bread recipes are a cozy way to enjoy soft, slightly sweet loaves at home. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting treat on cold nights. I like to keep this recipe simple, so I can pull a warm loaf from the oven quickly when I need a sweet, satisfying bite. The gentle sweetness and soft texture make it easy to enjoy any time of day.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

These sweet bread recipes are friendly, versatile, and easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and the result is soft, flavorful bread that keeps well. You can bake it for family breakfasts, slice for sandwiches, or freeze for later. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it budget-friendly and approachable for weeknight baking. Its cozy, comforting texture is crowd-pleasing, and leftovers stay moist, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days when you want something homemade without the stress.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh, room-temperature butter for the softest dough.

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes. Melt butter and lightly beat the eggs, then have your flour and salt ready in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Mix the yeast mixture with eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir until combined. Gradually add flour and salt, forming a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls from the bowl but is pliable and smooth.

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Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until elastic. Add optional raisins or chocolate chips during the last few minutes of kneading to distribute evenly without tearing the dough.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours. Punch down, shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan, and let rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This sweet bread recipe is forgiving and easy to prep ahead. You can mix the dough the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day. Leftovers store well, so you can slice and enjoy throughout the week. Its simple steps make it approachable for busy bakers who want homemade bread without stress.

Tips & Tricks

  • Warm liquids: Always use warm milk, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it. Cold milk slows rising, while too hot can kill the yeast.
  • Don’t overflour: Add flour gradually; too much makes bread dense. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Kneading counts: Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Under-kneading leads to a heavy loaf, while over-kneading can make it tough.
  • Check doneness: Tap the top; it should sound hollow. Too soft in the center means a few extra minutes in the oven are needed.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Fold small, cooked bacon or ham bits into the dough for a savory-sweet loaf. Serve warm for breakfast or brunch, combining sweet and smoky flavors naturally.
  • Vegetarian option: Stick to eggs, milk, and butter or plant-based alternatives. Add nuts or dried fruit for texture and flavor without meat.
  • Ingredient swap: Use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and a slightly nutty taste while keeping the bread soft.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom to the flour, or fold in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary for a subtle aromatic lift.
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Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast toast: Slice and spread with butter, jam, or honey for a cozy morning treat.
  • Snack squares: Cut into small pieces and serve with tea or coffee for a casual family snack.
  • Sandwich style: Use thick slices for peanut butter or cream cheese sandwiches, perfect for packed lunches.
  • Gift or gathering: Wrap slices in parchment and place on a platter for a warm, inviting centerpiece at casual gatherings.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Keep cooled bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Softness may reduce slightly but can be revived with light reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven for 2–3 minutes to restore softness and aroma.
  • Freezing: Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Slice from frozen or thaw overnight.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate after the first rise. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm, homemade loaf.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1.5–2 hours (rising)
  • Total Time: 2–2.25 hours

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 200–250 per slice
Protein: 5–6g
Key nutrients: Calcium from milk, B vitamins from flour and eggs
Values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients or portion size.

FAQs

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh in the morning.

Likely under-kneaded or overfloured dough. Knead fully and measure flour carefully.

Plant-based milk works, keep it warm for yeast activation.

Yeast may have been too old or liquid too hot/cold.

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4–5 days in the fridge, 2 months frozen.

Conclusion

Sweet bread recipes are a cozy, approachable way to enjoy homemade bread any time. They are flexible, forgiving, and perfect for family breakfasts, snacks, or casual gatherings. You can experiment with add-ins, flavors, and presentation, making each loaf your own. Once you try this recipe, it’s easy to keep a warm, comforting loaf ready for any occasion. Homemade sweet bread is simple, satisfying, and always inviting to share.

Sweet Bread Recipe Save
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Sweet Bread Recipe

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Soft, slightly sweet loaves made at home. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy family moments.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 cup warm milk

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips

Directions

  • Warm milk, dissolve yeast and sugar, let sit 5–10 minutes. Melt butter, beat eggs.
  • Mix yeast mixture with eggs, butter, vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, forming soft dough.
  • Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth. Fold in raisins or chocolate chips if using.
  • Let dough rise in greased bowl until doubled. Punch down, shape, rise 30 minutes, bake at 350°F 25–30 minutes.

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