Embrace the art of baking with this sumptuous recipe for Classic Braided Bread, enhanced with just the right touch of sweetness to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a beautifully braided loaf that's not only visually stunning but also irresistibly light and fluffy, thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this bread will fill your home with its inviting aroma and provide the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You'll Love This:
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking for a tailor-made treat that suits your taste perfectly.
- Satisfying Texture: Achieve a smooth, non-sticky dough that passes the "windowpane" test, indicating perfect gluten development.
- Versatile Bread: This loaf is ideal for any occasion, from a simple family breakfast to an elaborate dinner party.
Perfect Occasion:
- Family Gatherings: Serve as a centerpiece that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Holiday Celebrations: A homemade bread like this adds a personal touch to any holiday table.
- Gift-Giving: Wrapped in a cloth and tied with a string, this bread makes for a thoughtful and heartfelt homemade gift.
Decoration Tips:
- Braiding Variations: Experiment with different numbers of strands for a variety of looks. A simple three-strand braid offers elegance and simplicity, while more strands add complexity and beauty.
- Toppings: While sesame seeds are optional, they can add a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Consider also using poppy seeds or coarse sea salt for different flavors and textures.
- Glaze Options: The plant milk and maple syrup glaze not only adds a subtle sweetness but also gives the bread a lovely golden finish. For a different twist, try an egg wash for shine or a simple syrup glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients:
- In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine:
- 1 kg flour (about 8 cups)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)
- 2 heaping tablespoons of instant yeast (substitute for active dry yeast if needed)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- With the mixer running, gradually add:
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups lukewarm water (ensure it's not too hot for the yeast)
Kneading:
- Continue to knead on medium for about 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and passes the "windowpane" test. Adjust kneading time as necessary.
First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1.5 hours, though this may vary.
Shaping:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into strands for braiding. Opt for a simpler three-strand braid for ease.
Second Rise:
- Post-braiding, cover the loaf and let it rise again until doubled.
Before Baking:
- Brush the loaf with a mix of 2 tablespoons plant milk and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Optionally, skip the sesame seed topping.
Baking:
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the bread achieves a slight golden hue.
Indulge in the joy of baking with this Classic Braided Bread, a perfect blend of tradition and sweetness. Enjoy slicing into this tender, fluffy loaf that promises to be a hit on any table. Enjoy!