Sweet Bread(No Kneading Required)
Sweet bread with a soft, tender crumb infused with raisins and a rich buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or tea time, suitable for family gatherings and casual snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large enamel or porcelain utensil, measure out the lukewarm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top to soften.
- Set it aside to allow the yeast to activate.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the milk, salt, and sugar.
- Add the softened yeast mixture to the milk mixture.
- Stir in the eggs and melted butter or margarine.
- Gradually add 8 to 9 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly just enough to incorporate all ingredients, then fold in raisins to taste.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into loaves, and place into greased pans.
- Allow to rise again until nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of 2% or skim. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast; just ensure you activate it properly. For a twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Always check the dough during the rising phase; if it feels too sticky, incorporate a bit more flour gradually.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a snack. You might also enjoy it alongside dishes like Swiss Spinach Quiche for a delightful brunch. For dessert, try it with fruit toppings or whipped cream for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Bread(No Kneading Required) contains roughly 1989 calories, with 40g protein, 305g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy. You can perform the 'poke test' by gently poking the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to be shaped. If it springs back, it needs more time to rise.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits besides raisins. Just make sure not to overload the dough; a cup or so of additional ingredients should work well without compromising the structure.
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).