Ingredients
Note: make sure the yeast is not expired
- 1 packet active dry yeast, 8 grams
- ½ cup warm water, 150 ml
- 1 teaspoon sugar , 5 grams
- ½ cup avocado oil, 125 ml
- zest of a lemon
- ¾ cup sugar , 160 grams
- 3 eggs – room temp
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 5 grams
- ½ cup melted butter, 125 ml
- 1 cup warm milk, 250 ml
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, 940 grams
- egg wash is 1 egg + tsp water
Notes
MAKE SURE THE YEAST IS NOT EXPIRED
If the yeast does not foam up or activate do not proceed to the next step.You need to start that step all over.
Make sure the milk and butter are warm,not hot and not cold. Everything should be lukewarm.
You can absolutely use instant yeastand you do not need to proof it. Instant yeast does not need to be activated, you can just add all of the ingredients to the mixer and begin mixing the recipe.
You can also use fresh yeast and I would recommend 1 tablespoon of fresh yeast if that’s all you have.Let the dough rise in a warm spot away from drafts. I like putting my bread, covered, in the oven with the door closed. Make sure the oven is off. You are more than welcome to knead everything by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer, as that is the traditional way to make sweet bread.
You may need to add a touch more or less of flour depending on the size of your eggs. Always add the flour in gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides. It shouldn’t be too sticky or too dry. It should be nice and tacky and smooth.
If you want to prepare the dough the night before, cover it well and put it in the refrigerator for the first rise. In the morning take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature, braid it and let it rise for 1 hour, then bake.
You can also freeze the bread once baked and cooled. Be sure to wrap it really well in plastic wrap and place it in a Ziplock bag.Traditionally we always add a redpainted egg in our bread but feel free to decorate it any way you enjoy.
Gluten-free flour should work but I have not tried it in this recipe.If you use one be sure to use 1-1 gluten-free baking flour.
If you are unsure if your loaves are done, you can insert an instant-read thermometer in the center of the loaf. The bread is ready when it is 190F in the interior.