Hannah'S Bread
Hannah's Bread is a delightful braided sweet bread with citrus zest, cinnamon, and a hint of nuts, perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water according to package directions; add 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
- Heat milk, sugar, and margarine together until combined.
- Combine yeast mixture with flour in a large bowl.
- Add grated lemon rind and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Add a couple of shakes of salt.
- Knead the dough on a floured board until smooth.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 3 equal parts.
- Divide each part into thirds.
- Braid the three strands together to form a loaf.
- Brush the braided loaf with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, and ground nuts on top.
- Let the loaf rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine and adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase the sugar slightly. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but adjust the proofing time accordingly. To enhance the lemon flavor, add more grated lemon rind or a splash of lemon extract.
Serving Suggestions
This braided bread is delightful served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete breakfast, serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad or a side of Ice Box Slaw for a refreshing crunch. You can also toast it lightly and spread jam or honey for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hannah'S Bread contains roughly 1252 calories, with 31g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1313mg per serving (57% 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 all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with a 50-50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best results.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, check the freshness of your yeast. Make sure the water used for dissolving the yeast is lukewarm, not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If the dough still doesn't rise, try placing it in a warm, draft-free area to encourage proofing.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this bread vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg or aquafaba instead of a beaten egg for brushing. You can also omit the sweetener packets and use maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness, ensuring all ingredients align with vegan recipes.
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).