Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe: Easy Massa Sovada Doce posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email Jump to Recipe SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked Portuguese sweet bread, known as Massa Sovada Doce, wafting through your home. This traditional sweet bread recipe is a staple in Portuguese households, especially during Easter. Today, we’ll take you through an easy Portuguese sweet bread recipe that will surely become a family favorite. Understanding the History of Portuguese Sweet Bread Massa Sovada Doce, or Portuguese Sweet Bread, is a delicious sweet bread that originated from the Azores Islands. It’s a cherished part of many family recipes and is traditionally served on Good Friday. The bread is usually baked into a round loaf with a boiled egg in the middle, symbolizing rebirth and resurrection. Preparation of the Yeast Mixture Our Portuguese sweet bread recipe begins with the yeast mixture. You’ll want to use active dry yeast or fresh yeast. Dissolve it in warm water, making sure the water isn’t too hot, or it might kill the yeast. This yeast mixture is what will make the bread rise and give it its fluffy texture. Working With the Dough Once your yeast mixture is ready, it’s time to start on the sweet bread dough. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can make this process easier, but you can also mix with a wooden spoon in a large bowl. You’ll gradually add in your purpose flour, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bottom of the bowl. Making the Dough Rise Once your dough is ready, it’s time for the first rise. Place the dough in a lightly greased large mixing bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place. This first rise is crucial for the dough to develop the right texture and flavor. After the dough has doubled in size, you’ll punch the dough down and let it rise a second time. Forming the Loaf After the second rise, it’s time to shape your dough into a loaf. You can shape it into a round loaf for a traditional Massa Sovada, or divide it into smaller loaves or Portuguese rolls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even shape the dough into braids or twists! Baking the Bread Once your loaf or loaves are shaped, they’re ready to be baked. You’ll want to bake them until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. After baking, let the loaves cool on wire racks before slicing into them. This will ensure that the bread is fully set and won’t collapse when cut. Serving and Enjoying Portuguese Sweet Bread Portuguese sweet bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be enjoyed in many ways. Try it toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast, or use it to make French toast for a special treat. You can even use it as the base for a delicious bread pudding! Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe Variations While the original recipe for Portuguese sweet bread is delicious as is, there are many variations you can try. Some people add lemon zest or lemon extract for a citrusy twist. Others prefer to add more sugar for a sweeter bread. You can even find recipes for Hawaiian sweet bread, which is similar to Massa Sovada but with a tropical twist! Final Thoughts on Making Portuguese Sweet Bread There you have it – an easy Portuguese sweet bread recipe that you can make at home. Whether you’re of Portuguese descent and want to keep the tradition alive or simply enjoy baking and trying new recipes, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Happy Baking! Continue to Content Traditional Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe Yield: 2 loaves Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 3 hours This is a recipe for traditional Portuguese sweet bread, which is often enjoyed during festive seasons. It yields two loaves of sweet, soft bread, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Print Ingredients 1 cup of milk 1/2 cup of unsalted butter 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 1 packet of active dry yeast 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk Instructions Start by heating the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until it's completely melted. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves, then set aside to cool.In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the yeast mixture. Add the cooled milk mixture, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using), and stir until everything is well combined.Gradually add 5 cups of the flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. If the dough is still sticky, add up to 1 more cup of flour.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning it so it gets coated with the grease on all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a round loaf and place them onto a greased baking sheet.Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.Brush the surface of the loaves with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture, then bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Notes Always remember that baking is a science, and for optimal results, always adhere to the measurements and instructions as closely as possible. Nutrition Information: Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 410Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 250mgCarbohydrates: 70gNet Carbohydrates: 68gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 9g
