Italian Sweet Bread

Italian sweet bread is a classic, slightly sweet bread that is soft, fluffy and traditionally enjoyed during holidays or special gatherings. Like Easter bread and panettone, it’s enriched with milk, egg and butter, resulting in a tender crumb and golden-brown crust.

With a subtle sweetness, buttery flavor and the option to add Italian seasoning for a savory twist, this recipe creates a versatile bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside dinner, or turn it into French toast or a croque-madame. Of course, you can just cut yourself a slab to slather with butter and jam, too.

Italian Sweet Bread Ingredients

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• Milk: Warm 2% milk provides moisture to the dough, helping to create a soft, tender crumb. The warmth of the milk also helps activate the yeast, ensuring the dough rises properly.
• Egg: The egg adds richness to the dough, giving the bread a soft, slightly chewy texture. It also contributes to the bread’s golden color and enhances its flavor.
• Butter: Softened butter adds a subtle richness and a delicate flavor to the bread. It helps create a tender crumb and gives the bread a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Sugar provides slight sweetness to the bread and helps feed the yeast, promoting a good rise.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the bread and helps balance the sweetness. It also strengthens the gluten structure, ensuring the bread has a good texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and a light, airy texture. It’s the perfect choice for creating a soft, tender bread.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is what makes the dough rise, creating a light and fluffy texture. Active dry yeast is ideal for this recipe, as it activates in the warm milk and helps the dough double in size.
• Egg wash: An egg whisked with water is brushed on the dough before baking, giving the bread a shiny, golden-brown crust. It also helps the Italian seasoning stick to the top if you choose to use it.
• Italian seasoning: Optional Italian seasoning adds a savory, herbaceous note to the bread, making it a great accompaniment to savory meals like pasta or soups.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

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In the pan of your bread machine, add the warm milk, beaten egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, flour and active dry yeast in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the “dough” setting on the machine. After five minutes of mixing, check the dough to ensure it’s the right consistency—add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed.

Editor’s Tip: If you’d like to do this step the traditional way (by hand or using a stand mixer), you’re welcome to do so.

Step 2: Shape the dough

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Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Gently flatten the balls slightly and place them into two greased 9-inch round baking pans.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

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Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Editor’s Tip: If your dough isn’t rising, the yeast may be old or the room may be too cold. Follow our dough troubleshooting guide to ensure the perfect rise.

Step 4: Add the egg wash

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk together the remaining egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush it over the top of each loaf to give the baked bread a shiny, golden crust. If you’d like, sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Bake the bread

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Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool.

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Italian Sweet Bread Recipe Variations

• Make cinnamon bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar to the dough for a sweeter, cinnamon-flavored variation.
• Add herbs and garlic: Mix 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano into the dough for a savory garlic-herb bread.
• Get cheesy: Before baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the loaves after brushing with egg wash for cheesy version.
• Customize with toppings: Get creative with the toppings—sesame seeds, poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning all add flavor and texture to the finished bread.

How to Store Italian Sweet Bread

Store Italian sweet bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It will keep fresh at room temperature for up to three days.

Can you freeze Italian sweet bread?

Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled Italian sweet bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. The bread can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature, then reheat in the oven if desired.

Can you make Italian sweet bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough the day before you plan to bake it. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough rise at room temperature for an additional 15 minutes before you put it in the oven. Bake as directed.

Italian Sweet Bread Recipe Tips

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Can I make this bread without a bread machine?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment. Follow the same steps for rising and baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser, so you may need to add a bit more water and allow for a longer rising time.