Sweetbread

Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweetbread is a soft, fluffy homemade bread with rich butter and vanilla flavors, perfect for breakfast or special occasions, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking comforting baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 pound butter
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 large cake yeast
  • about 5 pounds flour

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until light.
  2. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla to the eggs and mix well.
  3. Melt butter in milk.
  4. Cool the milk and butter mixture to lukewarm.
  5. Add the cooled mixture to the egg mixture.
  6. Add yeast and mix well.
  7. Add flour gradually and knead well for about 30 minutes.
  8. Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
  9. Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
  10. Shape the dough into two loaves and brush the tops with milk.
  11. Bake at 325°F for one hour or more.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 packets of active dry yeast, activating it in warm water first. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture. This sweetbread pairs beautifully with Marinated Artichoke Dip as a delightful appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweetbread sliced with butter or jam for breakfast or as a snack. It also makes a wonderful base for a dessert sandwich with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Consider pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or a hot chocolate for a cozy treat. This sweetbread can also be enjoyed alongside Chess Pie (Egg) for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the sweetbread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweetbread contains roughly 458 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A.

458 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 15.3g 20% DV
Carbs 67.9g 25% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 29g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 360.7mg 16% DV
Potassium 277.2mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 31.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 113.6mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 21.3mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 260.9mg 20% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 sweetbread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This allows for an easier process on the day you plan to serve it.

What can I add to the sweetbread for extra flavor?

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture. Some people enjoy incorporating orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist.

How do I know when the sweetbread is done baking?

The sweetbread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

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).

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