There’s something quietly satisfying about waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, especially when you didn’t have to slave over the dough. This no knead sweet bread fits right into those slow, unhurried mornings or when you need a comforting snack that feels like a small indulgence. It’s soft, gently sweet, and perfectly tender—a loaf that invites you to break off a piece, maybe with a slather of butter or a drizzle of honey.
I remember the first time I set this dough to rise before bed. I wasn’t sure if it would actually turn out because I couldn’t quite tell if it had doubled in size the next morning—somewhere between puffy and just a bit fluffy. Once in the oven, the kitchen filled with a warm, vanilla-scented hug, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a slice even before it had cooled completely. It was a little messy, with crumbs everywhere, but that’s part of the charm, right?
- It requires almost no hands-on time, making it an easy choice even on busy mornings.
- The taste is subtly sweet but not overpowering—great for both breakfast and afternoon tea.
- The texture is soft and tender, avoiding the toughness that sometimes comes with homemade bread.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy equipment or skills needed.
Just a little heads-up: the rising time means you’ll want to plan ahead, so it’s not a last-minute fix.
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No Knead Sweet Bread
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
A simple and easy no knead sweet bread recipe that yields a soft, slightly sweet loaf perfect for breakfast or snacks. This bread requires minimal effort and no kneading, making it ideal for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms and all the flour is incorporated.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 9 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean work surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center without kneading.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is resting.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
One of the nicest things about this recipe is how forgiving it feels. You don’t need a stand mixer or a fancy bread maker—just a bowl and a little patience. When it’s time to bake, your kitchen will smell like a bakery, and you’ll feel like you put in way more effort than you actually did. I usually slice it thick for breakfast, but thin slices toasted with a little jam are my go-to snack. Sometimes I add a handful of raisins or a sprinkle of cinnamon during mixing—I haven’t tested these variations a ton, but they seem to add a cozy twist.
FAQ:
Can I use whole wheat flour? You might want to try substituting part of the flour, but the texture will be denser.
How long can I keep this bread? It stays fresh for a few days at room temp. For longer storage, freezing works well.
Do I have to use instant yeast? Instant yeast is convenient, but active dry yeast could work if you adjust the rising time slightly.
Slow mornings and cozy afternoons just got a little sweeter. Give this no knead sweet bread a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite way to start the day or pause for a little break.