Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
7 Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (heated between 105 F and 110 F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg (plus 1 more if you want to add an egg wash before baking)
  • 7 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups bread flour + more for kneading dough
  • 3 tablespoons oil, divided
Directions
  1. Mix the water and yeast in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Put the sugar and butter in a large bowl and beat with a mixer for 2 minutes until blended.
  3. Add 1 egg and beat to incorporate, then add the milk, salt, and yeast mixture. Beat for 2 more minutes until blended.
  4. Add the flour ½ cup at a time and mix with the hand mixer to blend.
  5. Spread the dough on a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until the dough forms a smooth consistency, adding flour as needed to help with the stickiness.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to a clean bowl and spread around the sides, then coat the ball of dough with oil as well. Place the dough into the bowl.
  7. Cover and leave the bowl on the counter for 1 ½ hours (or you can put in the oven while it is turned off to create a warm environment).
  8. Take the dough out and form it into 7 balls, then add the remaining oil to a round 8-inch baking tin, and add the dough balls.
  9. Cover the pan with a cloth and allow the dough to rise again for 1 ½ hours.
  10. About 15 minutes before the time is up, preheat the oven to 350 F.
  11. If you want to add an egg wash, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush over the tops of the dough balls.
  12. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.