Description
Impress with this vibrant, festive bread featuring tender crumbed layers of pastel hues. Simple to make with professional results, perfect for breakfast or gatherings.
Ingredients
3 cups Bread flour
0.33 cups Sugar
1 tbsp Instant yeast
1 tsp Salt
1 cup Warm whole milk
1 Large egg
0.25 cups Unsalted butter
4 shades Gel food coloring (pastel)
1 tsp Vital wheat gluten (if using all-purpose flour)
0.5 cup Maple syrup (if substituting sugar)
Instructions
Measure 3 cups bread flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp instant yeast, and 1 tsp salt into a large bowl
Stir with wooden spoon until ingredients form an even dry mix
In a separate bowl, combine warm milk (95°F), room temperature egg, and softened butter
Pour wet ingredients into dry mix, then knead until smooth and elastic
Let dough rest for 5 minutes, then roll into a rectangle and divide into four equal portions
Tint each portion with one gel food coloring (adjust intensity by adding more color if desired)
Layer colored dough sections, roll into a tightly sealed log, then cut into 12 slices
Place slices on baking sheets, let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden
Notes
Use only bread flour or substitute with all-purpose flour + 1 tsp vital wheat gluten
For a gentler sweetness, replace sugar with 0.5 cup maple syrup
Adjust food coloring in small increments for balanced pastel hues
Bread stays freshest for 24 hours at room temperature
- Prep Time: 120
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (28g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg