Sweet Braided Bread

A deliciously sweet and rich bread that is braided for a beautiful centerpiece on the table. Add rainbow sprinkles for a more festive look.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 258 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• ½ cup margarine, melted
• ⅓ cup warm water
• cooking spray
• 1 cup light cream, warmed
• ½ cup cold light cream
• 7 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Beat eggs and egg yolk together in a small bowl. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of beaten egg; keep refrigerated.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees F (75 degrees C).

Step 3

Combine sugar, margarine, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until dissolved. Add warm and cool cream to the bowl. Stir in yeast mixture. Beat in eggs. Add flour 1 cup at a time, blending well between additions.

Step 4

Turn dough out onto a floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Spray a clean bowl with cooking spray. Place dough inside and spray the top.

Step 5

Cover dough with a dish cloth. Turn off oven and place dough inside. Allow to rest until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 6

Remove dough from the bowl and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Split in half; split each half into thirds. Roll each section of dough into long, 24-inch snakes. Braid 3 together, making sure to secure the ends. Repeat with the remaining 3 sections.

Step 7

Reheat the oven to 170 degrees F (75 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Transfer braids to the cookie sheet.

Step 8

Turn off oven. Let braids rise in the warm oven for 45 minutes.

Step 9

Remove braids from the oven and brush with reserved beaten egg. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 10

Bake braids in the preheated oven until tops are golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.