Sweet bun for breakfast
Sweet bread, a perfect delight for breakfast, is a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, bringing a warm and comforting aroma to your table. Making these little works of art can be a fulfilling activity, not just for you, but also for your loved ones. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a delicious topping, this dish is sure to impress. So, let’s discover together how to prepare this sweet bread, step by step.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-45 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients needed
- 420 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 550 for a finer texture)
- 120 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a caramelized flavor)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 100 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 100 g butter (melted but not hot)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (for a fresh aroma)
- 1 egg yolk (to give a golden hue to the bread)
Preparation steps
1. Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the yeast is fresh, as it is essential for achieving a fluffy bread. The milk should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
2. Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, mix 20 g of fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of lukewarm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is important to ensure that the yeast is active.
3. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the sugar and lemon zest. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Incorporate the wet ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten egg, the activated yeast mixture, and the melted butter. Begin to incorporate the flour using a spatula, gradually adding the remaining lukewarm milk until you obtain a wet and sticky dough.
5. Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the gluten, which will give the bread a fluffy texture.
6. Let the dough rise
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
7. Shape the bread
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces. From each piece, shape little balls for the head, body, legs, and tail. Use your imagination to create playful shapes. Flatten the legs and tail slightly, and for the eyes, you can use two colored candies.
8. Decorate
For a more attractive appearance, use melted chocolate to draw details on the body of the bread. This personalized detail not only adds an aesthetic touch but also a hint of sweetness.
9. Bake
Place the breads on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and browned.
10. Cool and serve
After baking, let the breads cool on a wire rack. They are delicious served warm, but can also be stored for later.
Serving suggestions
These sweet breads are excellent on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit jam, honey, or flavored butter. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee perfectly complements your breakfast spread.
Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread recipe contains complex carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the egg, and healthy fats from the butter, providing you with the energy needed for an active day. Indulge in a portion full of goodness without worrying about calories, as long as you consume in moderation.
Possible variations
- Adding spices: You can experiment with a spice mix such as cinnamon or nutmeg to give an even more special flavor.
- Dried fruits: Incorporate pieces of raisins or dried apricots into the dough for an extra touch of natural sweetness.
- Nuts: Adding chopped nuts can provide a crunchy texture and a rich flavor.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and mix it with the flour.
2. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you have left the dough in a warm place. If the temperature is too cold, the dough will rise slowly.
3. How can I store the breads?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
With this captivating sweet bread recipe, you will not only delight your taste buds but also create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy every step of the cooking process!
Ingredients: 420 g flour, 120 g sugar, 20 g fresh yeast, 1 egg, 100 ml warm milk, 100 g butter - melted, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 1 egg yolk.
