If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice of soft, sweet, and fluffy braided bread, then you’ve likely tasted Hefezopf, a popular German-style sweet bread. This Sweet Braided Bread (also known as Hefezopf) is a wonderfully light and tender loaf, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Made with fresh yeast, butter, and a hint of lemon zest, this bread is as delightful to smell as it is to eat. Let's walk through the recipe so you can make your very own.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500g flour (all-purpose)
- 1/2 pack fresh yeast or 1 packet dry yeast
- 30g sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (adds a lovely fragrance and flavor)
- 150ml lukewarm milk
- 50g melted butter
- 2 eggs
For the glaze:
- 50g melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Activate the Yeast: Start by warming the milk until it's just lukewarm, not hot. Add the yeast into the warm milk, followed by sugar, and stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. You should notice some bubbles forming, indicating that the yeast is working.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl along with the melted butter and eggs. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it’s soft and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough is well-kneaded, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, as the yeast helps the dough become light and airy.
Shape the Bread: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a long strand, about 50 cm in length. Then, braid the three strands together, starting from the top and working your way down. Pinch the ends together and tuck them under to form a neat braid.
Rest the Dough: Carefully place the braided dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax and rise a little more.
Brush with Butter: While the dough is resting, melt 50g of butter over low heat. After the dough has rested, gently brush it with the melted butter. This will give it a rich, golden color and a soft texture.
Bake the Bread: Place the braided bread in a cold oven, setting the temperature to 160°C (320°F). It’s important to start with a cold oven, as this ensures that the bread rises gently as it bakes. After about 20 minutes, take the bread out of the oven, brush it again with more melted butter, and return it to the oven to bake for another 20 minutes. The bread should turn a beautiful golden brown and have a delicious aroma.
Glaze with Honey: For a sweet finishing touch, melt the remaining butter and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the glaze over the top to give it a shiny, sweet finish. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy: Allow the Hefezopf to cool for a bit, and then slice it to enjoy! The soft, fluffy texture paired with the buttery and honeyed glaze makes this bread a true delight. It's perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or as a snack throughout the day.
Why You'll Love Hefezopf:
This Sweet Braided Bread is a truly versatile treat. The subtle lemon zest adds a refreshing note to the dough, while the rich butter glaze gives it a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The Hefezopf is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday breakfasts, or just when you’re craving something sweet and homemade. It's easy to prepare, especially when you follow the steps carefully, and the result is always impressive.
Pro Tip: The secret to a perfectly baked braided bread is patience. Let the dough rise properly, bake it slowly in a cold oven, and don’t rush through the resting times. This is a bread that rewards you with its soft, airy texture.
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