Bread (Sesame Braid)
A delightful sesame braid bread with a soft interior and a nutty, sweet crust, perfect for breakfast or sharing at gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the bread dough rise until it has approximately the volume of 1 1/2 loaves of the frozen kind.
- Break off pieces of dough the size of hickory nuts.
- Roll each piece in melted butter, then in 1 cup sugar with cinnamon.
- Drop the coated pieces into a greased tube pan (must be a tube pan; other pans will not work).
- Let the dough rise until it reaches the size of walnuts.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes, for a total of 30 to 40 minutes.
- Invert the pan to remove the bread and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure your milk is scalded and slightly cooled before adding yeast. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute with 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture. If your dough is too sticky, add extra flour gradually while kneading.
Serving Suggestions
This Sesame Braid is delightful served warm with butter or honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a slice of Fresh Peach Torte for a sweet treat. It's also great for brunch gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread (Sesame Braid) contains roughly 346 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. This will create a denser bread but will add a nutty flavor and more nutrients. If doing so, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the warm water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising. If all else fails, you can start over with new yeast for better results.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking. This can save time on the day you plan to serve it, ensuring fresh bread with minimal effort.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).