Sweet Challah
A classic Jewish challah bread that is sweetened with a bit of honey. The bread is braided to make a beautiful loaf then baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
Serves: 15
- 3 teaspoons (8g) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (45 degrees C)
- 2/3 cup canola oil
- 2/3 cup honey
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
Preparation:30min ›
Cook:40min ›
Extra time:1hour40min rising ›
Ready in:2hours50min
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir the oil, honey, eggs, salt and 4 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Beat well.
- Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface divide into 4 pieces and braid. Place the loaf on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. In a small bowl, combine the egg white and water. Beat lightly. Brush the risen loaf with the egg wash. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Reviews and Ratings
Global Ratings:
(59)
Reviews in English (47)
I thought this challah would be a little sweeter because of the 2/3 cup of honey, but it still had a nice, subtle sweetness. It made a good size loaf that had great texture. The dough does need the two teaspoons of salt for optimum flavor. I didn’t bother to use an egg wash because I had made this bread to use for French toast. - 18 Aug 2012
This is hands-down the best bread I've ever made. Everyone goes crazy over it! The texture is dense and doughy, and the honey makes it super-sweet. I top mine with sesame seeds--simply sprinkle them on after brushing with the egg. - 08 Sep 2001 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
I thought my review could use updating after using this recipe for 10 years... This is most flavorful, beautiful challah recipe I've ever used. My only change is to slightly increase the salt: I use 2 heaping teaspoons. The dough doesn't always appear to have risen sufficiently, even given extra time, but by the time it's out of the over, it looks and tastes perfect. Thank you, Rivka! - 03 Nov 2000 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)