Homemade Sweet Bread (Crowd-Favorite Loaf)
Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking homemade bread—especially when it turns out so delicious that it disappears within hours! This soft, slightly sweet loaf has become a favorite for gatherings, family treats, or simply enjoying with a warm drink. As your story proves, once people try it, they can’t get enough!
Description
This recipe yields two soft, fluffy loaves with a lightly sweet flavor and tender crumb. Perfect for slicing, sharing, or enjoying fresh out of the oven, it has a golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Ingredients (Makes 2 Loaves)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
½ cup sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Combine ingredients
Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaves
Punch down the dough and divide
