Columbus Day Italian Sweet Loaf

Servings: 2 Difficulty: Advanced
Soft, golden-brown sweet bread perfect for festive autumn gatherings and holiday breakfasts.
Columbus Day Italian Sweet Loaf recipe image

This traditional Italian sweet loaf is a comforting classic, especially popular during Columbus Day celebrations. Enriched with butter, eggs, and brown sugar, the dough yields a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness that isn’t overpowering. The result is a soft, pillowy bread with a beautiful golden crust. It’s wonderful served warm with a pat of butter, alongside coffee for breakfast, or as a sweet treat after dinner. The aroma of baking bread will fill your kitchen, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings. Simple ingredients come together to create a nostalgic, homemade treat that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Columbus Day Italian Sweet Loaf

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 Calories: 3506.1

Description

This traditional Italian sweet loaf is a comforting classic, especially popular during Columbus Day celebrations. Enriched with butter, eggs, and brown sugar, the dough yields a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness that isn't overpowering. The result is a soft, pillowy bread with a beautiful golden crust. It&# 226;ÂÂs wonderful served warm with a pat of butter, alongside coffee for breakfast, or as a sweet treat after dinner. The aroma of baking bread will fill your kitchen, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings. Simple ingredients come together to create a nostalgic, homemade treat that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and brown sugar in the warm water.
  2. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and active.
  3. Stir in the melted butter, whole eggs, additional egg yolks, and salt until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the unbleached white flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  6. Knead the dough for about 5 to 8 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if necessary, until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
  7. Divide the dough into two equal halves.
  8. Flatten each half slightly and shape them into round loaves by tucking the edges underneath.
  9. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  10. Cover the loaves loosely with aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel.
  11. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  12. Preheat the oven to 325ðF (165ðC).
  13. Brush the tops of the risen loaves with the remaining egg yolk mixture.
  14. Use a sharp knife to slash two diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf.
  15. Sprinkle the tops lightly with additional sugar.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  17. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2


Amount Per Serving
Calories 3506.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 103.6g160%
Saturated Fat 45.1g226%
Cholesterol 2019.0mg673%
Sodium 10815.5mg451%
Total Carbohydrate 540.0g180%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g82%
Sugars 67.2g
Protein 92.6g186%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: italian bread, sweet loaf, columbus day, yeast bread, homemade bread, brown sugar, enriched dough, autumn baking, holiday bread, soft bread, egg wash, kneaded dough
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