Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe: Easy Massa Sovada Doce Bread 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. Are you looking for a new recipe to try out in your kitchen? If so, we have an excellent suggestion for you. It’s an original sweet bread recipe straight from Portugal, a delightful treat known as Massa Sovada Doce. This Portuguese sweet bread recipe is easy to follow, and the end product is a mouthwatering loaf you’ll want to share with everyone you know. So, let’s dive into it, shall we? Getting to Know Massa Sovada Massa Sovada is a traditional Portuguese sweet bread that’s often enjoyed during Easter. It’s similar to Hawaiian sweet bread, and they share similar ingredients, but the Portuguese version is unique in its flavors and preparation method. The yeasty pleasantness of this bread is a delight, and the addition of lemon zest gives it a zing that sets it apart. The Art of Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe Like many traditional family recipes, the Portuguese sweet bread recipe has been passed down through generations. It’s not uncommon to see grandmothers, mothers, and children gathered in the kitchen during holidays, each contributing to the making of this delicious sweet bread. Ingredients: The Soul of the Sweet Bread The ingredients for this sweet bread recipe are simple but essential. A yeast mixture is the foundation, mixed with warm water and a bit of sugar to activate. Flour, usually a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour, forms the body of the bread. Then, there are eggs, milk, butter, and sugar to bring in the sweetness and the rich texture. Lemon zest gives the bread a citrusy undertone that’s irresistible. Preparing the Dough: The First Rise Preparing the dough for this Portuguese sweet bread recipe involves a couple of important steps. The yeast mixture is prepared first, then combined with the wet ingredients in a large bowl. The flour is gradually added in until a dough forms. This dough is then covered with a damp cloth and left in a warm place to rise. This first rise is crucial to achieving the bread’s fluffy texture. The Art of Shaping the Dough After the dough has risen for the first time, it’s punched down and divided into smaller pieces. These pieces are then shaped into round loaf or dough balls, depending on the desired final product – a whole sweet bread loaf or individual Portuguese rolls. The shaped dough is then left to rise a second time, enhancing the texture and flavor of the final bread. Baking the Sweet Bread The final step in our Portuguese sweet bread recipe is the baking process. The dough is baked in a preheated oven until it turns a beautiful golden brown. The smell of baking bread fills the kitchen, making the wait for it to finish baking even more difficult. Once baked, it’s best to let the bread cool on wire racks before slicing into it. Enjoying the Portuguese Sweet Bread The Portuguese sweet bread can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s perfect on its own, warm from the oven, or spread with a pat of butter. Alternatively, it can be used to make French toast or even as the base for a bread pudding. The sweet, yeasty flavor and soft texture make it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Final Thoughts on the Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe Our Portuguese sweet bread recipe is more than just a bread recipe. It’s a reflection of Portuguese culture and tradition, shared and loved by many around the world. Whether you’re of Portuguese descent or a bread lover, this sweet bread recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the process of making it and, of course, the delicious end product. Happy baking! Continue to Content Traditional Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe Yield: 2 Loaves Prep Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 5 hours Experience a taste of Portugal with this traditional Portuguese sweet bread recipe! This deliciously sweet and fluffy bread, known as 'Massa Sovada' in Portugal, is perfect for breakfast or dessert and is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Print Ingredients 1 1/2 cups of milk 1 cup of granulated sugar 1/2 cup of unsalted butter 2 packets of active dry yeast 6 large eggs 1 teaspoon of salt 8 cups of all-purpose flour Zest of 1 lemon 1 egg white for glazing Sugar for sprinkling on top Instructions In a small saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm.In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over 1/2 cup of warm water (110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.Pour the lukewarm milk mixture into the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the salt and lemon zest. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal parts and shape into round loaves. Place each loaf on a greased baking sheet.Cover the loaves and let them rise until they've doubled in size, about 1 hour.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg white and sprinkle with sugar.Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Notes This bread is also perfect for making French toast or bread pudding. So if you have leftovers, give it a try! Nutrition Information: Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 399Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 65gNet Carbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 10g
