How to Make Portuguese Sweet Bread, Part II - Carmen’s Bakery Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option with healthy fats.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness while brown sugar is often less expensive.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a lower-calorie alternative, while water can reduce cost.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried cranberries provide a tart flavor, while sultanas are often less expensive.

Let the sweet bread dough rise until doubled in size, about 3 hours.

Divide the dough into portions, weighing about 2 1/4 pounds for large pans and 2 pounds for smaller pans.

Shape the dough into round loaves and place them in greased pans.

Cover the pans with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel to help the dough rise better.

Let the shaped dough rise in the pans for another 3 hours, depending on temperature.

Once risen, score a cross on top of each loaf with a knife.

Beat one egg and brush it over the top of the loaves before baking.

Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) for a light bake, or up to 300°F (150°C) if needed.

Bake the smaller loaves for about 45 minutes and the larger ones for about 1 hour, checking for doneness in the middle.

Cool the sweet bread before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens