Simple & Sweet: A Bread Recipe with Sugar

Bread baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most satisfying results. This guide will walk you through a basic, delicious Bread Recipe With Sugar, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal kneading, making it a great weeknight bake.

The Magic of Sugar in Bread

Sugar plays a crucial role in bread, far beyond just adding sweetness. It provides food for the yeast, contributing to a beautiful rise and airy texture. The sugar also enhances the bread’s golden-brown crust and contributes to its overall moistness. In this bread recipe with sugar, we’ll find the perfect balance for a loaf that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. Remember, even a seemingly simple bread recipe with sugar can benefit from careful attention to detail.

Ingredients for a basic sweet bread recipe

Getting Started: Ingredients and Tools

Gather your ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

You’ll also need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel

Mixing the Dough: A Simple Process

In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This blooming process activates the yeast and is essential for a good rise. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old, and you’ll need a fresh batch. For those looking for a different approach, you might find our Bread recipe no sugar interesting.

Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, salt, and oil to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky.

Kneading: Developing the Gluten

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test the dough’s readiness by performing the “windowpane test.” Gently stretch a small piece of dough. If it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing easily, the gluten is properly developed.

The First Rise: Letting the Yeast Work Its Magic

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and the Second Rise: Preparing for the Oven

Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled. This second rise gives the bread its final airy texture.

Sweet bread loaf in pan ready for baking

Baking: The Final Transformation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, the bread is ready.

Cooling and Enjoying: The Reward

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy your homemade bread recipe with sugar! It’s fantastic on its own, with butter, or as the base for a delicious sandwich. You can also explore our Bread recipe with oil for a slightly different flavor profile.

FAQs about Bread Baking with Sugar

1. Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for different flavor profiles. Keep in mind that these might affect the final texture and browning. Alternatively, our Cookie recipe with brown sugar might interest you.

2. What if my dough doesn’t rise? The yeast might be old, or the water temperature might not have been ideal. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold.

3. Can I use a bread machine? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a bread machine. Follow your machine’s instructions for adding ingredients and selecting the appropriate cycle.

4. How do I store homemade bread? Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

5. What can I do with leftover bread? Leftover bread can be used for croutons, bread pudding, French toast, or breadcrumbs. If you’re not a fan of chocolate, our Cookie recipe no chocolate offers a delicious alternative.

6. How can I tell if my bread is fully baked? The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C). The loaf should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Can I add other ingredients to the dough? Yes, you can add herbs, spices, nuts, or dried fruits to customize the flavor of your bread. For instance, you might be interested in our Cake recipe with oil for a different baking experience.

Sliced sweet bread loaf on a wooden board

This simple bread recipe with sugar is a testament to the fact that delicious, homemade bread doesn’t require complex techniques or fancy ingredients. With a little patience and practice, anyone can bake a beautiful loaf. Happy baking!