Sweet Bread (Portuguese Style) (2024)

Table of Contents
Ingredients Notes FAQs References

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.

Sweet Bread (Portuguese Style) (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat the egg in Portuguese sweet bread? ›

“You put a cut in the dough and put in the egg, but you have to know when it's the right texture. If you put it in at the wrong time it will collapse.” The uncooked egg bakes with the bread and is eaten as a special treat along with the sweet, airy loaves.

What is Portuguese sweet bread made of? ›

Portuguese sweet bread
Loaves of folar de Chaves baking in a forno
TypeBread; pastry
Main ingredientsFlour, milk, sugar, eggs, yeast, sea salt, butter or olive oil
Ingredients generally usedCinnamon, lemon zest, port
VariationsPão doce, arrufadas, folares, massa sovada, bolos, fogaça, regueifa
2 more rows

Is Hawaiian sweet bread the same as Portuguese sweet bread? ›

But in general, people no longer refer to them as Portuguese sweet bread. Instead, most now simply refer to them as sweet bread. Some enterprising companies even refer to them as Hawaiian sweet bread. But make no mistake, the latest generation of sweet breads in Hawaii owe their existence to Portuguese immigrants.

What makes Portuguese bread so good? ›

Jean Anderson, author of ''The Food of Portugal,'' explains that this bread has such a wonderful, jaw-breaking crust and moist, chewy interior because it is baked at intense heat over coals in a brick or stone oven filled with steam, ''just like a sauna. ''

Why do they put eggs in sweet bread? ›

It makes the bread lighter and fluffier. The reason for that is the fat in the yolk that inhibits gluten formation just as any other fat would. This results in a looser dough that can expand and puff up more.

What is the meaning of Folar da Pascoa? ›

Folar da Pascoa is a type of symbolic Easter bread, which are traditional throughout many European countries with Catholic, Christian and Orthodox backgrounds. There are various different versions, but all seem to have the common theme of a cross or crisscrossed shape to represent the crucifixion of Chris.

Why is sweet bread called sweet bread? ›

The word "sweetbread" was first used in the 16th century, but the reason behind the name is unknown. Sweet is perhaps used since the thymus is sweeter and richer tasting than muscle flesh. Bread may come from brede “roasted meat,” or is used because bread was another name for morsel.

What is the sweet bread eaten in Italy? ›

Panettone
TypeYeast cake
Place of originItaly
Region or stateMilan
Main ingredientsFlour, candied fruits, raisins
Media: Panettone
1 more row

What is another name for Portuguese bread? ›

Also known as a carcaça (among other nicknames), the papo-seco may be the most iconic yet unassuming variety of Portuguese bread. Like some of the other breads on this list, there's nothing special about the ingredients: flour, water, salt, yeast, and sometimes oil or butter.

Which country has the best bread in the world? ›

First things first, let us talk about the best bread in the world. Well, Roti Canai of Malaysia tops the Taste Atlas list of the world's best breads. Roti Canai is a famous flatbread originally found in Malaysia.

Do Portuguese eat peanut butter? ›

Some Americans are surprised that peanut butter is not as popular in Portugal, or in Europe in general. You can still find it, but it's much more common to see Nutella or similar chocolate/hazelnut spreads.

Is it safe to eat the egg from sweet bread? ›

You can eat them the same day you bake the bread, but once you leave the eggs out a few hours, they will spoil. So either eat the eggs the same day the bread is baked, or leave the eggs on the bread and trash them as you eat the bread, or remove them and put them in the fridge.

Does sweet bread contain egg? ›

Most bread doesn't, and is made of flour, water, yeast, salt, and a small amount of sugar, honey, or molasses to feed the yeast. There are, however, enriched doughs for speciallty breads such as brioche, egg bread, and others. They may contain milk, eggs, butter, additional sugar, or other ingredients.

Does pan dulce contain egg? ›

Mix in the eggs and orange zest. Then mix in the yeast/water mixture just until combined. Combine the flour, cinnamon, anise and salt. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet until dough begins to form.

How do you eat egg challah bread? ›

Some typical toppings include egg dip, vegetable dip ( like eggplant / beetroot / sweet potato dips) or avocado dip. Or with soup. Or with olives / pickles / salad. On the sabbath, the challah can be eaten with the main course at lunch time.

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