Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is as delightful to eat as it is beautiful to look at. This easy sweet challah recipe is perfect for those looking to try their hand at bread making without too much fuss. The result is a rich, slightly sweet loaf that’s perfect for special occasions or simply enjoying with a bit of butter and honey.
Photos of Easy Sweet Challah Recipe
If you’re new to bread making, some of the ingredients might not be staples in your pantry. For instance, bread flour has a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which helps create a better texture for the challah. Active dry yeast is essential for the bread to rise properly. Additionally, if you don't usually use margarine, you might need to pick some up as it contributes to the bread's richness.
Ingredients for Easy Sweet Challah Recipe
Water: The base liquid for the dough.
Margarine: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
Bread flour: Provides the structure and texture needed for challah.
White sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
Active dry yeast: Leavens the bread to give it its airy structure.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Eggs: Add richness and help bind the dough.
Poppy seeds: Optional, for sprinkling on top for added flavor and texture.
One reader, Jamima Erb says:
This easy sweet challah recipe is fantastic! The bread turned out soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. The instructions were clear and simple to follow. My family loved it, and it made our dinner extra special. Will definitely make it again!
Techniques Required for Making Challah
How to knead dough: Kneading involves pressing and folding the dough repeatedly to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and texture. This process usually takes about 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. How to braid dough: Braiding dough involves dividing the dough into equal pieces, rolling them into long ropes, and then intertwining them in a specific pattern to form a braid. This technique is used to create the traditional challah shape.
Challah is a braided bread that’s usually present during Shabbat and major Jewish holidays. In Biblical Hebrew, it means a kind of loaf or cake. Our sweet challah recipe serves a stunning and delicious classic bread with a soft interior and slightly sweet taste. This is just one of the popular Jewish recipes you can make!
How To Make Easy Sweet Challah
Serve a sweet, delightful bread for the holiday with this easy challah recipe. This braided, perfectly golden loaf is sprinkled with poppy seeds.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupswater
- ½cupmargarine
- 7cupsbread flour,divided
- ¼cupwhite sugar
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- ¾ozactive dry yeast,(3 packages)
- 1tbspsalt
- 4eggs,plus 1 beaten egg
- 1tbsppoppy seeds
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine water and margarine in a small saucepan. Heat until margarine is melted and very warm, but not boiling.
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In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups flour, white sugar, brown sugar, yeast, and salt. Add water and margarine mixture; beat well.
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Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
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When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in volume.
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Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into six equal pieces and form into long ‘ropes’. Braid the pieces together to form two large loaves.
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Place the loaves on two lightly greased cookie sheets, cover the loaves with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 40 minutes until doubled in volume.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Brush the risen loaves with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Nutrition
- Calories: 247.88kcal
- Fat: 6.40g
- Saturated Fat: 1.27g
- Trans Fat: 0.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.00g
- Carbohydrates: 39.72g
- Fiber: 1.52g
- Sugar: 4.45g
- Protein: 7.34g
- Cholesterol: 31.99mg
- Sodium: 213.17mg
- Calcium: 21.16mg
- Potassium: 76.64mg
- Iron: 2.35mg
- Vitamin A: 13.76µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Technique Tip for Braiding Challah Dough
When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This helps develop the gluten, giving the challah its characteristic chewy texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to your hands and the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Challah Bread
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This reduces prep time and ensures a smoother process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when mixing and kneading the dough.
Warm rising spot: Speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven with the light on.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is on its final rise to save time.
Divide and conquer: Divide the dough into ropes and braid them simultaneously to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Sweet Challah Recipe
water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds richness and a slightly sweeter flavor to the dough.
margarine - Substitute with butter: Butter provides a richer flavor and a more tender crumb.
bread flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is more readily available and still provides good structure, though the texture may be slightly less chewy.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds moisture and a deeper sweetness, enhancing the flavor profile.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique flavor and additional moisture to the dough.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients and often rises faster.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the challah.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) are a good vegan alternative that helps bind the dough.
poppy seeds - Substitute with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds provide a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Best Way to Present Homemade Challah
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the challah into elegant, thin pieces to create a refined presentation. This allows the intricate braiding and golden crust to be showcased beautifully.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a light dusting of poppy seeds around the edges. Add a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a touch of color and aroma.
Accompany with spreads: Offer a trio of artisanal spreads such as honey butter, fig jam, and whipped cream cheese. Present these in small, elegant ramekins to enhance the visual appeal.
Highlight texture: Place a few shards of caramelized sugar on the plate to add a contrasting crunch. This will complement the soft, fluffy texture of the challah.
Use a stylish plate: Serve the challah on a sleek, matte-finish plate to create a modern and sophisticated look. The contrast between the plate and the golden challah will make the dish pop.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a small amount of truffle honey over the challah slices. This adds an element of indulgence and elevates the flavor profile.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Decorate the plate with a few edible flower petals that are in season. This adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the presentation.
Create height: Stack the challah slices slightly askew to add dimension and height to the plate. This creates a more dynamic and visually appealing presentation.
Use a clean, minimalist approach: Ensure the plate is free from any unnecessary elements. A clean, minimalist presentation allows the beauty of the challah to stand out.
Finish with a light glaze: Brush the challah slices with a thin layer of apricot glaze to give them a subtle shine and enhance their visual appeal.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Challah
- Allow the challah to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the challah in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the challah:
- Wrap the cooled challah tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped challah in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen challah, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
- To reheat, wrap the challah in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- If you want to freeze individual slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily remove and thaw only the amount you need.
How To Reheat Leftover Challah
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover challah in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the challah is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method will help restore the bread's original texture and flavor.
For a softer, more tender reheated challah, wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Check the bread after each 10-second interval to ensure it doesn't become too soggy. Once heated through, unwrap the challah and enjoy.
If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior with a soft interior, slice the leftover challah and toast the slices in a toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on the slices to prevent burning. Serve the toasted challah slices with your favorite jam, butter, or honey.
For a unique twist, cut the leftover challah into cubes and use them to make a delicious bread pudding. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the challah cubes and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Bake the bread pudding in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until set and golden brown on top.
Create a savory French toast by dipping slices of leftover challah in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Fry the coated slices in a pan with butter or oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve the savory French toast with grated cheese, fresh herbs, or smoked salmon for a delightful brunch dish.
Random Fact About Challah Bread
In Jewish tradition, challah is often enjoyed during Shabbat and holidays. This sweet bread symbolizes the manna that fell from heaven when the Israelites wandered in the desert.
Is Making Challah at Home Economical?
This easy sweet challah recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like bread flour, sugar, and eggs are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of margarine instead of butter also helps keep costs down. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost would be around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Sweet Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This challah recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The use of refined white flour and added sugars (both white and brown) can contribute to blood sugar spikes and provide empty calories.
- Margarine, depending on the type used, may contain trans fats which are linked to increased risk of heart disease.
- The high calorie and carbohydrate content of the bread, combined with minimal fiber, may not be suitable for those watching their weight or managing diabetes.
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as eggs which provide protein and nutrients like choline and vitamin D.
To make this challah recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace a portion of the white flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours to increase fiber content and slow down the absorption of sugars.
- Reduce the amount of added sugars, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Swap the margarine for a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to avoid trans fats and provide beneficial monounsaturated or medium-chain fatty acids.
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients, such as ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or chopped nuts, to boost the bread's fiber, protein, and healthy fat content.
- Practice portion control and enjoy the challah as part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Editor's Thoughts on This Easy Challah Recipe
This sweet challah recipe is straightforward and accessible for home bakers. The combination of white and brown sugar adds depth to the flavor, while the margarine ensures a tender crumb. The step-by-step instructions are clear, though I would recommend using a thermometer to ensure the water and margarine mixture is at the right temperature for activating the yeast. The braiding process adds a beautiful, traditional touch. Overall, this recipe promises a delightful, slightly sweet challah with a soft texture and a golden crust, perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Easy Sweet Challah Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Sweet Bread Recipes Similar to Challah
Why trust this Easy Sweet Challah Recipe:
This easy sweet challah recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of white sugar and brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness, while the active dry yeast ensures a fluffy, airy texture. With clear instructions and simple ingredients like bread flour and eggs, you can confidently create a beautiful, braided loaf. The final touch of poppy seeds adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Trust this recipe for a delicious, homemade challah that will impress everyone at your table.
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