Best 2 Pao Doce Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipes

Indulge in the sweet and delectable flavors of Portuguese Sweet Bread, also known as Pão Doce. This traditional Portuguese pastry is a beloved treat that holds a special place in the hearts of many. With its golden-brown crust, soft and fluffy interior, and enticing aroma, Pão Doce is a true delight for the senses. Typically enjoyed during festive occasions and gatherings, this bread is a symbol of celebration and joy.

This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that guide you through the process of creating this delectable treat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes cater to various skill levels and preferences. From classic Pão Doce to creative variations infused with unique flavors and fillings, you'll find a recipe that suits your taste and expertise.

Embark on this culinary adventure, discover the secrets behind this cherished Portuguese pastry, and impress your loved ones with your baking skills. Let the aroma of freshly baked Pão Doce fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings people together.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD - PãO DOCE (MASSA SOVADA)

Portuguese Sweet Bread - Pão Doce (Massa Sovada) image

This is a light and airy bread created by Portuguese residents from the Azores Islands as a sweet bread for Christmas and Easter. (For Easter, 2-3 boiled eggs are baked into the dough). Today, it's served year-round for breakfast or to enjoy with tea or coffee. It's popular in many parts of the U.S. as well, as Azorean...

Provided by Vickie Parks

Categories Sweet Breads

Time 4h45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

BREAD
1 c warm milk
1/2 c butter or margarine (1 stick)
1 c granulated sugar
1 Tbsp salt
2 1/2 pkg dry yeast
1/4 c warm water
1/4 tsp sugar
4 jumbo eggs
1 Tbsp whiskey or brandy (or the zest of 1 lemon if you want lemon-flavored bread)
6 to 7 c all-purpose flour
EGG WASH
1 egg
1 Tbsp milk (or water, for lighter gloss)

Steps:

1. Heat milk, but do not scald. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Stir in the sugar and salt. Set aside to allow milk to cool.
2. Meanwhile, make yeast starter by mixing the packages of yeast with the warm water and sugar. Stir yeast until dissolved and let it rest until you see bubbles activating.
3. Beat 4 eggs for a few minutes, then add beaten eggs to the milk in a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture to the milk along with the whiskey or lemon zest (if using), and beat for 2 minutes.
4. Begin adding the flour, 1 cup at a time, until it's all incorporated. Use your dough hooks or your hands to knead for about 10 minutes. The batter should be very silky and smooth but not sticky. Add more flour if you find the dough sticky.
5. Remove dough from mixer, place on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and soft. Place the dough into a large floured bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 to 3 hours or until doubled.
6. After the dough has doubled, punch it down (to deflate its volume). Divide dough in half, and place both halves on a floured surface. Form dough into two round loaves, and place loaves on a large greased baking sheet (or two smaller baking sheets). Or form dough into about 24 rolls, and place rolls about 1 inch apart in a lightly greased baking pan. Set baking pan(s) aside to let the dough rise for another hour (or place in a slightly warm oven for about 20 minutes or until almost double).
7. Preheat oven to 325°F.
8. Beat one egg with 1 Tbsp milk. Brush tops of the bread with the egg wash, and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 300°F, and bake another 30 minutes or until the bread has a golden caramel color. NOTE: rolls bake in less time, approximately 45 minutes.)

PAO DOCE (PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD)

Pao Doce (Portuguese Sweet Bread) image

Make and share this Pao Doce (Portuguese Sweet Bread) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Laniakea

Categories Yeast Breads

Yield 2 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 large potato
2 tablespoons sugar
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
4 cups flour (or more)

Steps:

Boil potato until soft. Save 1/4 cup of the water the potato was boiled in and cool to lukewarm.
Mash potato and measure out 1/2 cup.
Add 2 Tbsp sugar and the yeast to the lukewarm potato water, stir to dissolve. Stir in mashed potato and set mixture aside to double in bulk.
Scald milk, add salt and cool to lukewarm.
Melt butter and cool.
In large warm mixing bowl (rinse with hot water and dry before using), beat eggs.
Remove 1 Tbsp of eggs to use for brushing tops of loaves.
Gradually beat in sugar, then melted butter.
Combine egg and yeast mixtures.
Blend thoroughly.
Add 1 1/3 cups of the flour and 1/4 cup milk.
Beat until completely mixed.
Add another 1 1/3 cups flour and beat till blended.
(All ingredients should be in your dough now except for the last of the flour you will be kneading with.) Turn out the dough on floured board.
Add last 1 1/3 cups flour* and knead dough till smooth and elastic, 75 to 100 times.
Make a ball of dough, place in an oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in warm place. When double in bulk, punch down, divide dough into 2 round balls and place on 2 oiled pie pans or in oiled bread pans.
Allow it to double in bulk (about 1 hour). Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brush loaves with beaten eggs.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until brown and done. They may be frozen.
* Additional flour may have to be added to make a soft dough.
Dough should be smooth not sticky after kneading is complete. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tips:

Use fresh yeast for the best results. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to activate it before using it. To activate the yeast, dissolve it in warm water (110-115°F) with a little sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread a chewy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to work and produce carbon dioxide, which will cause the bread to rise.
Bake the bread in a preheated oven. This will help to create a crispy crust.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing it. This will help to prevent the bread from tearing.

Conclusion:

Pao doce is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply eating on its own. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this delicious bread at home.