When it comes to sweet breads, few can rival the allure of challah. Its rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture make it a perfect treat for any occasion. And when you add a hint of sweetness, the possibilities are endless! In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious sweet challah bread recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
From classic flavors like honey and cinnamon, to more unique combinations like orange zest and maple pecan, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a holiday gathering or just want to brighten up your morning routine, we’ve got you covered.
Honey Glazed Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet challah bread recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Jewish bread, featuring a sticky honey glaze and soft, fluffy interior. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a braided loaf.
6. Brush the honey glaze over the bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cinnamon Swirl Sweet Challah Bread
Start your day with a deliciously sweet and indulgent treat – this cinnamon swirl challah bread is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (equal parts granulated sugar and cinnamon)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 6-8 equal pieces.
6. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
7. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate Chip Sweet Challah Bread
This rich and indulgent bread combines the classic Jewish tradition of challah with a sweet twist – chocolate chips! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Knead dough for 10 minutes or until elastic.
6. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape into braids and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Zest Sweet Challah Bread
A sweet and fragrant twist on traditional challah bread, this recipe combines the brightness of orange zest with the warmth of sweet spices. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday snacking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, melted butter, egg, orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Maple Pecan Sweet Challah Bread
Start your day with the sweet aroma of maple and pecans, wrapped up in a soft and fluffy challah bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast and warm water; stir until dissolved.
4. Add maple syrup, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Knead dough for 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Punch down dough, shape into loaf, and place in prepared pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raisin and Walnut Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet bread is a delightful combination of plump raisins and crunchy walnuts, swirled through a soft and fluffy challah dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Fold in raisins and walnuts.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Sweet Challah Bread
This classic Jewish bread gets a sweet twist with the addition of vanilla bean, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its soft and fluffy texture, this challah is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla bean.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Sweet Challah Bread
Apple Cinnamon Sweet Challah Bread Recipe
Savor the warmth of autumn with this sweet and fragrant challah bread infused with apple and cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium-sized apple)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add warm water, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Fold in diced apples.
6. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Almond and Honey Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the richness of almonds with the sweetness of honey to create a unique and delicious challah bread. Perfect for special occasions or everyday snacking, this sweet almond challah is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add melted butter, egg, honey, and sliced almonds to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Sweet Challah Bread
Elevate your baking game with this deliciously aromatic Pumpkin Spice Sweet Challah Bread, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
3. Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Beat in melted butter until fully incorporated.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in prepared pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet and tangy challah bread is perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. Fresh blueberries and lemon zest add a burst of flavor to this classic Jewish bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add beaten egg and melted butter; mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Fold in blueberries and lemon zest.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 10 minutes or until elastic.
6. Place dough in the prepared loaf pan; bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven; let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Sugar Sweet Challah Bread
A delicious twist on traditional challah bread, this recipe incorporates the richness of coconut sugar to create a sweet and savory loaf perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add coconut sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a braided loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cardamom Rose Sweet Challah Bread
This fragrant bread combines the warmth of cardamom with the elegance of rose petals, perfect for special occasions or a sweet breakfast treat. With its soft, fluffy texture and delicate flavor, this challah is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon dried rose petals, crushed
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cardamom, and rose petals.
2. Add yeast to the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a braid or a round loaf.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Strawberry Jam-Filled Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the sweetness of challah bread with the tanginess of strawberry jam, creating a delightful breakfast or snack treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine yeast and lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4. Add the beaten egg, melted butter, and strawberry jam to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
7. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Brown Butter Sweet Challah Bread
This Brown Butter Sweet Challah Bread recipe combines the classic challah bread with the deep flavor of browned butter, creating a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a centerpiece at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup browned butter (see instructions below)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and yeast.
3. Add sugar, beaten eggs, softened butter, browned butter, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough, shape into a braided loaf, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Browned Butter:
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
Lavender Honey Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet and fragrant bread combines the soothing properties of lavender with the warmth of honey, perfect for a special occasion or as a thoughtful gift. With its tender crumb and golden crust, this challah is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1/4 cup lavender syrup (or dried lavender buds and honey)
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Gradually add milk and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add lavender syrup (or dried lavender buds and honey), eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl to rise in a warm place.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a braid or round loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Banana Sweet Challah Bread
Transform regular challah bread into a sweet treat by incorporating caramelized bananas and a hint of vanilla. This recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Caramelize the bananas by cooking them in a skillet with sugar over medium heat until golden brown and tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, salt, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Add melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and caramelized bananas to the dough. Mix until smooth.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in the prepared pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Espresso Chocolate Sweet Challah Bread
A rich and decadent twist on traditional challah bread, this recipe combines the deep flavors of espresso and dark chocolate with a sweet and tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and cocoa powder to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add espresso, chocolate chips, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest of treats with these 18 scrumptious sweet challah bread recipes! From classic flavors like cinnamon swirl and honey glazed, to more unique twists like lavender honey and espresso chocolate, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these sweet challah breads are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a range of ingredients and flavor combinations, you’ll be spoiled for choice with these mouthwatering recipes.
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