Heralding from Jewish tradition, challah bread is loved for its fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste. Today, we’re putting a delightful twist on this classic loaf by adding juicy blueberries to create Blueberry Challah. This recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional challah with the burst of freshness from plump blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea, this Blueberry Challah will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 large eggs, plus 1 for egg wash
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Cooking spray
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Add sugar, oil, 2 eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough and gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest until evenly distributed.
8. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long.
9. Braid the ropes together and tuck the ends under to form a loaf.
10. Transfer the challah loaf to the prepared baking sheet.
11. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the challah.
12. Cover the loaf loosely with a piece of plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
13. Bake the Blueberry Challah in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. Allow the challah to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
For an extra touch, you can serve your Blueberry Challah with a dollop of honey or homemade blueberry jam. The sweet bursts of blueberry scattered throughout this soft, golden bread create a delightful contrast of flavors that will surely delight your taste buds. Enjoy a slice in the morning with your coffee or save it for a special weekend brunch with loved ones. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun twist on a classic bread that will bring warmth and happiness to any occasion.
