Spicy Freckle Bread Delight
This delectable bread is a whimsical twist on traditional cinnamon bread, featuring the vibrant flavor of Cinnamon Red Hot candies. Originating from a beloved recipe, this Spicy Freckle Bread Delight is not just visually stunning, with its striking pink and red flecks reminiscent of summer freckles, but it also offers a unique taste experience that balances sweetness with a hint of spiciness. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this bread can be transformed into fluffy French toast or soft, sweet cinnamon buns. A must-try for anyone looking to add a fun and flavorful addition to their bread-making repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lukewarm Water
1/4 cup (heated to a warm temperature)
Lukewarm Milk
1/2 cup (heated to a warm temperature)
Softened Butter
1/4 cup (softened at room temperature)
Instant Yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (measured directly)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (measured directly)
Sugar
1/4 cup (measured directly)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (measured directly)
Large Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
All-Purpose Flour
3 cups (measured directly)
Cinnamon Red Hot Candies
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped if desired)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, lukewarm milk, softened butter, instant yeast, salt, sugar, vanilla, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix well until combined.
2
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to one hour, or until it has doubled in size. To test, poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, the dough is ready.
4
Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8" x 10" rectangle.
5
Incorporate the Cinnamon Red Hot candies into the dough in three stages, kneading about 1/3 of the candies into the dough at a time until evenly distributed.
6
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased or parchment-lined 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan. Loosely cover the pan with lightly greased plastic wrap and let rise for another 40-50 minutes, until the dough slightly crests the top of the pan.
7
For buns, divide the dough into 9 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9" x 9" square pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-40 minutes, until puffy and barely touching.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes or the buns for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. To catch any melting candy, place the pan on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
9
The bread is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190°F (88°C).
10
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack set over parchment paper to catch any drips from the melted candies. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Freckle Bread Delight?
Spicy Freckle Bread Delight is a whimsical twist on traditional cinnamon bread that uses Cinnamon Red Hot candies to create vibrant flavor and striking pink and red flecks.
What creates the freckles in this bread?
The freckles are created by Cinnamon Red Hot candies that are kneaded into the dough, leaving colorful spots throughout the bread.
What does Spicy Freckle Bread taste like?
It offers a unique taste experience that perfectly balances sweetness with a distinct hint of spiciness from the cinnamon candies.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast.
How long does the first dough rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
How do I test if the dough has risen enough?
Gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step.
Can I make buns instead of a loaf with this dough?
Yes, you can divide the dough into 9 equal pieces and bake them in a square pan to make soft, sweet buns.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should I bake the loaf?
The loaf typically takes 30 to 40 minutes to bake until it is golden brown.
How long do the buns take to bake?
When shaped as buns, the baking time is reduced to 20 to 25 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the bread?
The bread is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should I do if the bread browns too quickly?
If the top is browning faster than the center is cooking, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
Why should I place the pan on a cookie sheet?
Placing the pan on a parchment-lined cookie sheet helps catch any drips from the melting cinnamon candies.
How should I incorporate the Red Hot candies?
The candies should be kneaded into the dough in three stages, adding about 1/3 of the candies at a time.
Can this bread be used for French toast?
Yes, this bread is excellent for making fluffy and uniquely flavored French toast.
How should the bread be cooled?
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack set over parchment paper.
What size loaf pan is recommended?
An 8 1/2 inch by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan is the ideal size for this recipe.
What size pan is used for the bun variation?
Use a greased 9 inch by 9 inch square pan if you are making buns.
How many buns does the recipe produce?
The recipe makes 9 equal-sized buns when divided appropriately.
What temperature should the milk and water be?
Both the milk and water should be lukewarm to ensure the yeast activates correctly.
Does the egg need special preparation?
The large egg should be lightly beaten before being added to the mixing bowl.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should the Cinnamon Red Hot candies be chopped?
The candies can be used whole or coarsely chopped depending on your preference.
How long is the second rise for the loaf?
The loaf should rise for another 40 to 50 minutes until it slightly crests the top of the pan.
How long is the second rise for the buns?
The buns should rise for 30 to 40 minutes until they are puffy and barely touching.
What should the butter's consistency be?
The butter should be softened at room temperature for easy mixing into the dough.
Is this bread suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its sweet and spicy profile makes it a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch menu.
Do I need to grease the pans?
Yes, you should use greased pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Should I slice the bread while warm?
It is recommended to allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
Can I use vanilla extract in this dough?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used to add depth and sweetness to the dough's flavor.