Jewish Sweet Bread
Jewish sweet bread with rich flavors of dates, nuts, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 pound chopped dates ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cracked wheat ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons melted shortening ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 2 yeast cakes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup warm water ⓘ
- 6 cups white flour ⓘ
- 2 cups white flour ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine oatmeal and boiling water; let stand 20 to 30 minutes. Add molasses, shortening, and salt.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water, wait 10 minutes, and add to the mixture.
- Stir in just enough flour to make a medium-firm dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. If you don't have chopped dates, dried figs or apricots can be a great substitute. Ensure your water for the yeast is warm but not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast. You can also experiment with different nuts or even omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This Jewish Sweet Bread is delightful on its own or served with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or even a slice of Vegetarian recipes to balance the sweetness. It also makes a great base for a breakfast sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jewish Sweet Bread contains roughly 3689 calories, with 38g protein, 518g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (167% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and potassium (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 white flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour, but it may change the texture and flavor. Start with half whole wheat and half white flour to see how you like it. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more nutrients, complementing the sweetness of the bread.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense. Kneading the dough well can also help achieve the right texture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Jewish Sweet Bread vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy. You can also replace the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Adjusting these ingredients will maintain the bread's moisture and texture.
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).