Frisian Sugar Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Frisian Sugar Bread Ingredients

Frisian Sugar Bread Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm whole milk, lukewarm water, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and dark rum (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Add the softened unsalted butter to the dough and knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Sprinkle the pearl sugar (or crushed sugar cubes) evenly over the surface of the dough. Fold the dough over the sugar and knead gently just until the sugar is distributed throughout.
  8. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  9. Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled.
  10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 20 minutes before baking.
  11. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash.
  12. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Estimated Calories: 250, Servings: 8

Recommended Dishes

Sugar Bread Quick Mistake Fixes

If your sugar bread ends up looking like it just returned from a salt spa, you might have accidentally gone overboard with the salt. While a pinch is good for flavor, too much can turn your sweet treat into a confusing taste adventure. The best way to avoid this is to double check your measurements and keep the salt shaker at a safe distance. If you find yourself with a loaf that tastes more like a pretzel than a dessert, a quick fix is to serve it with a healthy dollop of unsalted butter or a delicious fruit spread. That way, you can mask the saltiness and still enjoy a good slice with your tea.
Nobody wants to bite into a sugar bread that feels like it spent a week in the desert. Dryness can sneak up on you faster than you can say "quick snack." The best way to keep things moist is to watch your baking time like a hawk on a caffeine rush. If you do end up with a loaf that could double as a doorstop, a fast and easy trick is to wrap it in a damp towel and microwave it for a few seconds. This will help bring back some of that lost moisture and make your bread taste great again, almost as if it just came out of the oven.
Balancing flavors in sugar bread is a bit like being a DJ at a breakfast party. If your loaf is too bland, it might need a last minute remix. A good way to jazz things up is to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dash of vanilla on top before serving. If you want to keep things healthy, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for a delicious twist. The best part is, these changes are easy and fast, so you can turn a so-so loaf into a crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat.

Sugar Bread Pairings

If you are on a quest for the best flavors to complement your sugar bread experience, look no further than the world of warm spices and creamy spreads. Imagine a quick sprinkle of cinnamon or a fast swipe of butter melting into the nooks and crannies, making every bite a delicious adventure. For those who like to live on the wild side, a good dollop of fruit preserves or a drizzle of honey can turn your breakfast into a sweet symphony. The great thing about these flavor pairings is that they are easy to find and even easier to love, making your sugar bread recipe the star of any table.
Now, let us talk about foods that play well with sugar bread, because every hero needs a sidekick. A healthy fruit salad bursting with berries and citrus is a fast and easy way to balance the sweetness, while a good wedge of cheese brings a savory twist that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha. If you are feeling extra fancy, a quick scramble of eggs or a handful of nuts can add a bit of protein power to your plate. The best part? These foods are not just delicious, they are also a great excuse to eat more sugar bread-purely for the sake of a balanced meal, of course.
No sugar bread feast is complete without a drink to wash it all down, and the options are as endless as your imagination. For a classic touch, a steaming mug of coffee or a frothy cappuccino is always a good idea, especially if you need a quick pick-me-up. If you are in the mood for something a bit more festive, a glass of sparkling apple cider or a fruity herbal tea can make your breakfast feel like a celebration. And for those who like to keep things healthy, a smoothie packed with yogurt and berries is a fast and easy way to add a nutritious twist to your delicious sugar bread moment. Cheers to the best pairings around!

Sugar Bread Story

The first time I tried to make this, I was convinced that following the recipe to the letter would guarantee success. Spoiler alert: it did not. I was so focused on being quick and efficient that I forgot to double check the measurements. What I ended up with was a sticky mess that looked more like a science experiment than anything you would want to eat. It was not my best moment in the kitchen, but at least my dog seemed to think it was delicious. Lesson learned: sometimes being fast is not as good as being careful.
On my second attempt, I thought I would be clever and make it extra healthy by swapping out some ingredients for what I had on hand. Let us just say that not every substitution is a great idea, no matter how easy it seems. The result was edible, but only if you closed your eyes and pretended you were eating something else. I realized that while it is good to experiment, some recipes are best left as they are, especially if you want to impress your friends and not have them politely decline seconds.
By the third try, I had learned to slow down, read the instructions, and respect the process. I discovered that taking your time does not mean it cannot be a quick and enjoyable experience. The end result was not only tasty but also looked like it belonged in a bakery window. Now, whenever I make it, I remember those early disasters and laugh. Cooking is a journey, and sometimes the mistakes are what make the final product even more satisfying. Plus, it gives you great stories to tell when someone asks for your secret recipe!

Healthy Sugar Bread Tips

If you're looking to give your favorite Frisian Sugar Bread recipe a health makeover, you're in for a treat-minus the sugar crash! Health is the name of the game, and with a few clever swaps, you can still enjoy that delicious, authentic, homemade flavor without feeling like you've just eaten a brick of sugar. Try using whole wheat flour as one of your main ingredients for a fiber boost. It's the best way to keep things simple and quick, and your digestive system will thank you. Plus, you'll still get that tasty, perfect texture you love, just with a little more health and a little less guilt.
Now, let's talk about the sweet stuff. The best Frisian Sugar Bread recipe is famous for its sugary swirls, but your health might prefer a lighter touch. Swap out some of the sugar for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup-just enough to keep things delicious and authentic, but not enough to send you into a sugar-induced nap. If you're feeling extra adventurous, toss in some dried fruit for a naturally sweet, easy, and quick upgrade. These tips will help you create a healthier, yet still tasty, version of this classic treat. Who knew health could be so much fun (and so much less boring than a salad)?
Finally, don't forget about the fat! Traditional Frisian Sugar Bread recipes often call for a generous helping of butter, but your arteries might prefer a little less enthusiasm. Try using a mix of Greek yogurt and a touch of olive oil for a moist, delicious loaf that's still homemade and authentic, but with a health-conscious twist. These simple tips will help you master how to make the best, healthy version of this beloved bread. Remember, the perfect recipe is the one that makes you feel good-inside and out. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and enjoy every tasty, health-boosted bite!

About Sugar Bread Recipe

Frisian Sugar Bread is a true celebration of tradition and flavor, and as a chef who has perfected this recipe over countless bakes, I can assure you it's one of the best sweet breads you'll ever taste. The authentic recipe calls for simple ingredients-flour, yeast, milk, butter, and, of course, generous chunks of pearl sugar. The secret to a delicious, homemade loaf lies in the balance of these ingredients and the technique. If you're wondering how to make this classic treat, my best tips are to use high-quality butter and to knead the dough until it's perfectly smooth. This ensures a soft, fluffy texture that's simply irresistible.
What makes this Frisian specialty stand out is its unique combination of sweetness and subtle spice. The easy, quick preparation means you can have a tasty loaf ready in just a few hours, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The sugar melts into pockets throughout the bread, creating a caramelized, crunchy surprise in every bite. For the best results, let the dough rise slowly and don't rush the process-patience is key to achieving that authentic, homemade flavor. If you're searching for a simple yet impressive recipe, this is the one to try.
To elevate your Sugar Bread even further, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cardamom to the dough-these ingredients enhance the bread's aroma and depth. Serve it warm, with a pat of butter, and you'll understand why this recipe is beloved in Frisian kitchens. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just learning how to make sweet breads, these tips will help you create the perfect loaf every time. The combination of easy steps, quick preparation, and delicious results makes this the best recipe for anyone craving a taste of authentic Frisian tradition.