Hungarian Fonott Kalács (Braided Sweet Bread)
A soft and fluffy Hungarian braided sweet bread with a delicate vanilla aroma and a golden crust, perfect for breakfast or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 250 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 80 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 80 g butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar (optional)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Mix warm milk with a small amount of sugar and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, vanilla sugar, and the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal portions and roll into long strands.
- Braid the strands into a loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and brush the loaf with egg yolk mixed with milk.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add raisins or dried fruits for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds or sesame seeds on top before baking for texture.
- For richer flavor, add lemon zest or increase butter slightly.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in the oven or microwave to restore softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
