Sweet Italian Bread

Indulge in the comforting sweetness of homemade Sweet Italian Bread, a soft and fluffy loaf that combines simple ingredients with a touch of European charm. Perfectly golden with a shiny, egg-washed crust, this versatile bread balances a subtle sweetness with rich buttery flavors, making it ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or pairing with your favorite jam or butter. Made from pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs, this recipe highlights traditional kneading and rising techniques for that perfect airy texture. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a delightful toast the next morning, this sweet Italian bread is a must-try for any home baker. Plus, with just 20 minutes of prep time and a gorgeous finish, it's as rewarding to make as it is to eat!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.33 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1.33 cups Water, lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C)
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.25 cups Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large Egg yolk (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix well.

Step 2

Add the lukewarm water, eggs, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough forms a soft and slightly sticky ball.

Step 4

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 7

Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves. Transfer the shaped dough to a greased baking sheet or loaf pans.

Step 8

Cover the dough loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.

Step 11

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 12

Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1062.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2631.6

Total Fat 67.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 687.2mg	0%
Sodium 2538.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 434.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.1g	0%
Total Sugars 68.5g
Protein 65.8g	0%

Vitamin D 110IU	0%
Calcium 205.8mg	0%
Iron 24.5mg	0%
Potassium 734.1mg	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: 23.2%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 66.7%