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Braided Sweet Bread Recipe

A soft and fluffy braided sweet bread with a glossy golden crust. It’s perfect for breakfast with jam, served alongside dinner, or enjoyed as a snack with tea.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: European
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • Egg Wash
  • 1 egg
  • Splash of milk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • stand mixer
  • Wooden spoon
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes (by hand or with stand mixer).
  2. First rise: Cover with a towel and let the dough rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
  3. Shape & braid: Divide dough into 3 equal strands, braid them together, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush dough with egg wash and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
  5. Finish: Brush warm bread with melted butter. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure your milk and water are warm (not hot) so the yeast activates.
 For extra sweetness, sprinkle pearl sugar or slivered almonds on top before baking.
Freezes well—slice and wrap tightly once cooled.