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This beautifully braided sweet bread is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla and lemon. With its golden crust, delicate crumb, and optional raisins, it’s a centerpiece-worthy bake—perfect for breakfast, holidays, or a cozy afternoon coffee.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
500 g all-purpose flour
42 g fresh yeast (or 2 packets dry yeast)
100 g sugar
200 ml milk (lukewarm)
100 g butter (room temperature, cubed)
2 eggs (medium) 🥚
1 packet vanilla sugar
A pinch of salt
100 g raisins (optional, soaked in rum or water)
Zest of 1 organic lemon 🍋
For Brushing & Topping:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp milk
Sliced almonds
Pearl sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Place the flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Crumble in the fresh yeast (or add dry yeast). Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and a little of the lukewarm milk. Mix gently with a bit of flour from the edges to form a thick starter (pre-dough).
Cover and let it rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until bubbly and activated.
2. Make the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, eggs, salt, butter, and the rest of the milk to the starter.
Knead everything for at least 10 minutes using a stand mixer or by hand until you get a smooth, elastic dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Finally, gently knead in the drained raisins (if using).
3. First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Braid
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Divide it into three equal portions and roll each into a rope about 40 cm (16 inches) long.
Pinch the ends together at the top and braid the strands into a classic plait. Tuck the ends underneath and transfer the braid to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Second Rise
Cover the braid loosely and let it rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffed.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Whisk together the egg yolk and milk, then brush generously over the braid. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and pearl sugar.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until beautifully golden. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing
Serve fresh with butter, honey, or your favorite jam
Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch, or afternoon coffee
Lightly toast leftovers for an extra delicious treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, fluffy texture with a rich buttery flavor
Beautiful braided presentation
Versatile—enjoy plain or with raisins
A comforting homemade classic everyone will love
Tried it? Share your results and tag your creations!
Enjoy every slice of this warm, homemade delight—soft, fragrant, and simply irresistible!
