Italian Sweet Bread

Name: Italian Sweet Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 loaves (16 pieces each)
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; EGG WASH:; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; Italian seasoning, optional

Total Time Prep: 10 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Yield 2 loaves (16 pieces each)

Test Kitchen Approved

Sure, it's a holiday favorite, but Italian sweet bread is easy enough to be an everyday treat. You'll find a satisfying sweetness in every slice.

Ingredients

1 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
EGG WASH:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Italian seasoning, optional

Directions

In bread machine pan, place the first 7 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place in 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Beat egg and water; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 87 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. —Kim Ooms, Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Recipe Creator