1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl or measuring jug, mix the lukewarm milk, water, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir using a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides in oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Bread:
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Tuck the ends under and place it seam side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
7. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
8. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of the second rise.
9. Bake:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve:
- Slice the sweet bread and serve as desired. It pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or even as the base for French toast.
Tips:
- Proofing the Dough: Ensure your milk and water are lukewarm (about 110°F or 45°C) to help activate the yeast without killing it.
- Customization: Feel free to add raisins, dried fruit, or nuts to the dough after the first rise for an added texture and flavor.
- Storing: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade sweet bread, a versatile and delicious treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!