Description
Bake a delicious and traditional Reka bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This sweet and tender loaf is perfect for any occasion, holidays, or even just to enjoy with your morning coffee!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 ounce (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
- Pinch the ends of the ropes together and braid them.
- Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
- Don’t over-knead the dough to avoid a tough loaf.
- A warm environment is essential for optimal rising.
- Monitor the bread while baking to prevent over-browning; tent with foil if needed.
- For a richer flavor, brush the loaf with melted butter before baking and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg