Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort. This special bread is perfect for the holiday season. It is filled with spices that smell wonderful while baking. The whipped honey butter adds a sweet, creamy touch that makes it even better. Enjoying a slice with friends and family can brighten anyone’s day. Whether you serve it at a festive gathering or as a cozy snack at home, this bread is sure to become a favorite.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter. First, the smell of spices fills your kitchen as it bakes. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. The soft, fluffy texture of the bread is delightful. Each bite is like a warm hug, especially when paired with the creamy honey butter.

This recipe is also easy to make. Even if you are new to baking, you can follow the simple steps. The ingredients are common and easy to find. The preparation is straightforward, and the results are impressive. You can serve this bread for breakfast or as a snack. It is perfect for any time of the day. Also, it makes a great gift when wrapped up nicely. Anyone would be happy to receive this homemade treat.

Lastly, this recipe allows you to create wonderful memories in the kitchen. Whether you bake alone or with loved ones, the process is filled with joy. You’ll have a delicious bread at the end, bringing smiles to your faces.

HOW TO MAKE Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

Making Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter is a fun and rewarding process. With just a few steps, you can create a beautiful loaf of bread and a tasty spread. Let’s go through the process step-by-step.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Stand mixer with a paddle attachment
• Large mixing bowl
• Glass measuring cup or small bowl
• 9-inch round casserole dish
• Clean kitchen towel
• Microwave

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 8 Tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided
• ½ cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened for whipped honey butter
• ¼ cup honey for whipped honey butter
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

For Holiday Spice Bread:

1. Place the warm water in the large bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle over the yeast. Leave to become foamy and bubbling.
2. Pour the milk into a 2-cup glass measuring jug or small bowl and add 6 Tablespoons of the butter cut into pieces. Microwave in 20-second bursts until the milk is just warm and the butter is melted. Stir well.
3. When the yeast has foamed up, add the honey, milk mixture, spices, and salt to the yeast in the bowl. Beat with the paddle attachment on low speed until everything is just blended. Add the flour slowly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. When you have added 2 cups of flour, beat in the egg, then continue adding the flour until you have a shaggy ball of dough, most of which clings to the paddle in a ball, but all of which you can easily scoop into a ball.
4. Butter a large bowl well, scoop the dough into a ball, and transfer it to the bowl. Turn the dough ball around in the bowl so it is buttered on all sides. Cover the bowl with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about an hour, until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and knead it 3 – 4 times, then place it in a well-buttered 9-inch round casserole dish. Cover and let rise for another hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake for 1 hour or until golden, firm, and it makes a hollow sound when you knock on it. You can tent the loaf lightly with foil if it starts to get darker than you prefer.
7. Melt the remaining butter (after using some to grease the bowl and the casserole) and brush it over the top of the hot bread. Cover with a tea towel and cool in the pan.

For Whipped Honey Butter:

1. Beat the butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to smooth it out.
2. Add the honey and vanilla and beat on high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl a couple of times, until the butter is light and fluffy.
3. Scoop into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.

 

HOW TO SERVE Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

You can serve Holiday Spice Bread warm or at room temperature. Slicing the bread thickly is a great idea, so everyone gets a good piece. Spread a generous amount of whipped honey butter on top of each slice. The creamy, sweet butter combined with the flavorful bread makes each bite delightful. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a wonderful experience. This bread pairs well with breakfast or as a treat in the afternoon.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

To keep your Holiday Spice Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat the frozen bread, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave to enjoy the soft, fresh texture. The whipped honey butter can also be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter is versatile. Here are some enjoyable ways to serve it:

• Serve as a breakfast bread with fruit and yogurt.
• Pair it with a cheese platter for a savory touch.
• Offer it as a snack at holiday parties with coffee and tea.
• Use it as a base for a delicious sandwich or toast.

In any case, guests will love it.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change up the Holiday Spice Bread recipe based on your preferences:

1. Add Nuts: Mix in walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
2. Use Different Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor.
3. Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist.
4. Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing over the top instead of the whipped honey butter.

These variations can make this bread unique each time you make it.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Use the same amount without proofing it in water.

2. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface.

3. How can I tell when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it is golden brown, firm, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread. The texture may vary slightly.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

To save time, you can prepare some parts of the recipe ahead. Here are some simple tips:

• You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before the second rise.
• Whipped honey butter can be made in advance too. Just store it in your fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
• You can also bake the bread ahead of time and freeze it. Just reheat it before serving.

By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter, even on busy days. Enjoy your baking!

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