Portuguese Sweet Bread Pao Doce

Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of *Portuguese Sweet Bread (Pão Doce)*, a traditional treat that’s delightfully soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully golden. Infused with bright citrus notes from a combination of orange and lemon zest, this bread offers a subtle aromatic twist that sets it apart. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, its pillowy texture pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a dollop of jam. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, and elevated with a touch of vanilla, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels. The egg wash creates a stunning golden crust, while the slow rise ensures a light, airy loaf that’s worth every minute of preparation. Serve warm or toasted, and experience an authentic taste of Portugal’s comforting baking tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:160 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 0.75 cup Warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the melted butter, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Pour the yeast mixture and egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8

Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash to create a golden crust.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1234.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3769.2

Total Fat 98.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 943mg	0%
Sodium 2671.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 627.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 161.5g
Protein 92.4g	0%

Vitamin D 231.0IU	0%
Calcium 452.0mg	0%
Iron 31.8mg	0%
Potassium 1352.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.6%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 66.6%