Hefezopf is a delightful German bread that adds a touch of home-baked goodness to any morning or afternoon tea. This traditional sweet bread is braided into a beautiful loaf that tastes as wonderful as it looks. With a soft, tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, Hefezopf is perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day. This recipe may seem intricate, but with a little patience and some simple ingredients, you can easily create your own delicious Hefezopf at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 packet dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
– Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a rough dough forms.
3. Pour the milk-yeast mixture into the bowl with the dough. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 3 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope, about 15 inches in length.
7. Pinch the ends of the ropes together at the top and braid them into a traditional 3-strand braid. Once done, pinch the ends together at the bottom.
8. Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
10. If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds for a decorative touch.
11. Bake the Hefezopf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
12. Once baked, remove the Hefezopf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
13. Optionally, dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar for a finishing touch before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked Hefezopf with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting and delicious treat. This bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying on your own as a cozy indulgence. The aroma of this sweet bread baking in your kitchen will make your home feel warm and inviting, embodying the essence of homemade comfort. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
