Homemade Raspberry Swirl Sweet Bread

Homemade Raspberry Swirl Sweet Bread

Introduction:
Beautifully soft, delicately sweet, and striking in appearance, this Homemade Raspberry Swirl Sweet Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the best of bread and dessert. With its pillowy golden crumb and generous swirls of tart raspberry filling, each slice is as satisfying to look at as it is to eat. Ideal for brunch tables, afternoon tea, or a sweet breakfast, this braided bread is both comforting and impressive. At deesviral, we love celebrating recipes that are as elegant as they are easy to make — and this loaf is the perfect showcase of both.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

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• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 3/4 cup raspberry preserves or jam

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if jam is very thin)

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For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy and bubbly on top.

2. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Begin mixing and gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If needed, add a small amount of flour to help with kneading.

3. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix the raspberry preserves with lemon juice and cornstarch (if needed) until smooth. Set aside.

5. Roll and Fill:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

6. Shape the Bread:
   Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll lengthwise down the center to expose the layers. Carefully twist the two halves around each other, keeping the cut sides facing upward. Transfer the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan or onto a lined baking sheet.

7. Second Rise:
   Cover and let the shaped loaf rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the bread with egg wash and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil near the end of baking.

9. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

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Conclusion:
This Homemade Raspberry Swirl Sweet Bread is a true celebration of soft, tender dough and vibrant fruit flavor. The luscious jam ribbons create a visually stunning swirl in every slice, making it perfect for gifting, gatherings, or simply treating yourself. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a sweet breakfast on its own, this deesviral favorite delivers joy from the first bite to the last. Enjoy!