Rich Loaf Bread
Rich loaf bread boasts a tender, buttery crumb with a slightly sweet flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or snacking. Its hearty texture and golden crust appeal to bread lovers and home bakers seeking a classic, homemade loaf with a rich, comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour before measuring.
- Scald the milk and cool it to lukewarm.
- Add sugar, salt, and shortening to the milk.
- Add the yeast cake to the mixture.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture.
- Add half of the flour and beat for 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining flour gradually, half a cup at a time, stirring after each addition.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a loaf.
- Allow the dough to rise until light and doubled in size.
- Bake until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it bubbles when mixed with warm milk, you're good to go. For an added twist, mix in herbs or spices, or serve with butter and jam, reminiscent of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This rich loaf bread is perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with soups or salads for lunch. Consider making a sandwich with it, using fillings like turkey and avocado. For an indulgent treat, serve it alongside Chocolate Fudge Upside-Down Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, which can keep them fresh for about 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Loaf Bread contains roughly 313 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 active dry yeast instead of a yeast cake?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for the yeast cake. Use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Simply dissolve it in the lukewarm milk before adding other ingredients, and follow the instructions as usual for a delicious rise.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warm environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven with the light on. If all else fails, consider making a quick bread like Pumpkin Apple Muffins instead.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to the bread?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread. Fold in about 1 cup of your choice before the final kneading step. Just be mindful that this may alter the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
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).