The Best Homemade Sweet Bread

Course: Appetizers, bread, Dessert, sweet bread

Cuisine: Hungarian, Romanian, Transylvanian

Diet: Halal, Low Fat

Keyword: sweat bread Easter recipe, sweet bread, sweet bread recipe, sweet bread with raisins, Transylvanian sweet bread

Prep Time: 2 20

Cook Time: 45

Cooling Time: 10

Total Time: 3 15

Servings: people

Calories: 471kcal

Author: Timea

There is nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked sweet bread recipe filling your home. This version is the ultimate comfort food: incredibly soft, pillowy, and lightly golden.

Print Recipe

Metrics - US Customary

Equipment

1 mixing bowl
1 loaf baking pan

Ingredients

For the Dough

500 g wheat flour tip 000 or 00
25 g yeast fresh or 2 teaspoon dry yeast
300 ml milk warm
40 g sugar
2 pieces egg yolks large
1 teaspoon rum flavor essence
50 g raisins brown or yellow
50 g butter unsalted and melted

From glaze:

1 piece egg whole
1 tablespoon milk warm

Instructions

Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the fresh (or dry) yeast. Stir gently and let it sit in a warm place for 15–20 minutes until a thick foam forms on top.
Soak the Raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl with 100 ml hot water and the rum essence. Let them plump up for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg yolks, melted butter, and the foamy yeast mixture.
Knead: Knead the dough by hand for about 15 minutes (or 8–10 minutes with a stand mixer) until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to the bowl.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape & Braid: On a floured surface, divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each into a long rope (15–16 inches) and braid them together. Place the braid into a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. This second proof is the secret to a fluffy sweet bread.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Brush the loaf with the egg and milk glaze. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown.
Cool: Remove from the oven and immediately cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Video

Notes

💡 Timea’s Secret for Lasting Softness: The most important step for a perfect homemade sweet bread is the cooling process. By covering the hot bread with a kitchen towel as soon as it leaves the oven, you trap the natural steam. This "Towel Trick" softens the crust and ensures your bread stays pillowy-soft for days!

Storage Tip: Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, this bread freezes beautifully—just slice it before freezing so you can toast individual pieces whenever you crave a treat!

Nutrition