Plucking Bread
Plucking Bread is a delightful sweet treat with cinnamon, sugar, pecans, and buttery layers, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a warm dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take 3 cups flour, add sugar and salt, and resift.
- Scald milk and cool to lukewarm.
- Measure 1/2 cup milk and stir in yeast.
- Stir slightly beaten eggs and melted butter into remaining milk.
- Combine egg mixture with flour, sugar, and yeast mixture.
- Stir well until it looks like thick syrup.
- Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir in remaining flour and refrigerate overnight.
- Grease a large tube pan.
- Turn dough on a floured board and form into small ping-pong-sized balls.
- Dip each ball in melted butter and in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Form a single layer on the bottom of the pan and cover with pecans.
- Repeat until 3 layers are formed.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 325°F for 50 to 55 minutes.
- Remove from pan immediately and leave upside down on a plate.
- Best served hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Ensure your milk is not too hot when adding the yeast; lukewarm is ideal. For a unique twist, try incorporating chopped fruits or nuts into the dough before forming the balls.
Serving Suggestions
This plucking bread is best served warm, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a spread of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch, serve alongside 5Th Sunday Squash Casserole or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. Consider offering a side of Never-Fail 4 Minute Frosting for those who enjoy a sweeter touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover plucking bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plucking Bread contains roughly 466 calories, with 10g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. This enhances the flavor and makes it easier to shape the dough the next day. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the shaping and baking steps.
What can I use instead of milk?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Each alternative will offer a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in this recipe. Just ensure the substitute is unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors.
How can I make the bread lighter and fluffier?
To achieve a lighter texture, ensure that you do not overmix the dough once you add the remaining flour. Additionally, allow the dough to rise in a warm environment to encourage proper yeast activity. The overnight refrigeration helps to develop flavor and texture, so don’t skip that step!
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).