There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade bread filling the kitchen. This soft and sweet bread is one of those recipes that feels comforting from start to finish. The dough comes together easily, bakes into a golden loaf, and has just the right touch of sweetness to make it irresistible. It’s the kind of bread you can serve at breakfast with butter and jam, or slice up for an afternoon snack with a hot drink.
I still remember the first time I baked this bread—it didn’t last more than a day on the table. Every slice seemed to disappear the moment it was cut, and that’s when I knew this would be a recipe I’d return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- It’s soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, making it perfect for both kids and adults.
- The ingredients are simple pantry staples—nothing fancy required.
- It works for any occasion: breakfast, tea time, or even as a side with dinner.
- You can shape it into one large loaf or two smaller ones, depending on what you prefer.
Tip: If you love fresh bread in the morning, you can prep the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water (105–115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
These simple ingredients are all it takes to achieve that pillowy, lightly sweet loaf. The combination of white and brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and the teaspoon of sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, until it looks foamy. This step is like giving your yeast a “wake-up call.” Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, the water might have been too hot or too cold. Start again with fresh yeast and properly warmed water. - Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. - Knead the dough
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the bread its lovely texture. - First rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Personal note: I like to place mine near the oven if I’ve been baking something else—the residual warmth helps the dough rise beautifully. - Shape the bread
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into either one large loaf or two smaller ones and place them into greased pans. - Second rise
Cover again and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes until puffy. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool
Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Ideas
This bread is delicious on its own, but it shines even more when paired with your favorite toppings. Spread it with butter, drizzle on some honey, or enjoy it with homemade jam. For something savory, try it lightly toasted with a slice of cheese.
Storage Tips
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This soft and sweet bread is the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with baking. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet special enough to impress at family gatherings. Once you’ve tried it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen—I know it has in mine.