This no-knead sweet bread is an easy and delicious option for breakfast or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and baked in a Dutch oven, it results in a soft, fluffy texture with a golden crust.
The recipe requires minimal effort, allowing the dough to rise slowly, which enhances the flavor. You can customize it with add-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Sweet Bread
Making sweet bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. This recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread without the need for extensive kneading.
The combination of flour, sugar, yeast, and milk creates a soft, fluffy texture that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. The addition of dried fruits or nuts can elevate the flavor, making each loaf unique.
The Baking Process
Baking in a Dutch oven is key to achieving a beautifully crusty exterior while keeping the inside tender. The steam created within the pot helps the bread rise and develop a golden crust.
Before you start, gather your ingredients and ensure your workspace is ready. The process is straightforward, requiring only a few simple steps to bring your sweet bread to life.
Rising Time: Patience Pays Off
One of the most important aspects of this recipe is the rising time. Allowing the dough to rise at room temperature for about two hours enhances the flavor and texture of the bread.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in, ensuring a successful rise. Watching the dough double in size is a satisfying part of the baking journey.
Shaping and Baking
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a round loaf. This step is simple but crucial for achieving the right form. Let the shaped dough rest for another 30 minutes before baking.
Preheating the Dutch oven is essential for a perfect bake. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the dough inside and cover it with the lid. This method traps steam, resulting in a crust that is both crunchy and golden.
Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. This step is vital for letting the interior set properly. Slicing the bread too soon can result in a gummy texture.
After cooling, you can enjoy the fluffy interior and the delightful surprise of dried fruits peeking through each slice. This sweet bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on your own.
Customizing Your Sweet Bread
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as spices, nuts, or various types of dried fruits.
Each variation can bring a new twist to the classic sweet bread, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a hint of cinnamon or a burst of citrus, the possibilities are endless.
Simple No-Knead Sweet Bread
This sweet bread is prepared with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, resulting in a delightful treat. The baking process in a Dutch oven ensures even cooking and a perfect crust. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and serves 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruits or nuts
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using, fold in dried fruits or nuts.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven (with lid) inside to heat.
- Shape the Dough: After the first rise, turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g