Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further than the classic Jewish bread, Challah! When made with sweet ingredients like honey, chocolate chips, and dried fruits, this traditional bread becomes a show-stopping treat. In this article, we’ll explore 19 mouth-watering sweet challah bread recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From classic flavors like cinnamon sugar and honey glazed, to more adventurous combinations like pumpkin spice and coconut lime, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Honey Glazed Sweet Challah Bread
Transform your breakfast or brunch with this sweet and indulgent honey glazed challah bread. The combination of soft, fluffy dough and sticky honey glaze will be a hit with anyone!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey glaze: 1/2 cup honey, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add yeast and warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add eggs, melted butter, and mix until smooth.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes, until elastic.
5. Place in greased loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with honey glaze (mix equal parts honey and powdered sugar).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Challah Bread
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat! This recipe yields a soft, fluffy challah bread infused with the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness from sugar.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl; let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough; shape into a round loaf.
7. Mix melted butter, egg, and cinnamon sugar mixture; brush over the loaf.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate Chip Sweet Challah Bread
Add a touch of sweetness and indulgence to your breakfast or brunch routine with this scrumptious chocolate chip challah bread recipe. Moist, fluffy, and packed with dark chocolate chips, this treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine flour, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Knead dough for 10 minutes until elastic.
6. Form into a round or oblong shape and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples, resulting in a delicious and fragrant challah bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
6. Shape into a braided loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raisin Walnut Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet challah bread recipe adds a delightful twist with the addition of raisins and walnuts, creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, beaten egg, and melted butter; mix until dough forms.
4. Fold in raisins and walnuts.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place dough in greased loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Pecan Sweet Challah Bread
Maple Pecan Sweet Challah Bread Recipe
This sweet and savory challah bread is infused with the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pecans, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add maple syrup, sugar, eggs, flour, and salt to the bowl; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a braided loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter; sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet bread is infused with the warmth of vanilla beans and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy breakfast treat. With its soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Sweet Challah Bread
Warm up with a slice of this aromatic pumpkin spice sweet challah bread, perfect for snacking or serving as a breakfast treat. This moist and flavorful loaf combines the comforting spices of fall with the classic Jewish sweet bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, warm milk, honey, melted butter, and beaten egg.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead for 10 minutes, then shape into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before slicing.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Almond Poppy Seed Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe yields a deliciously sweet and chewy challah bread infused with the nutty flavor of almonds and the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and almond extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in sliced almonds and poppy seeds.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet and tangy challah bread combines the freshness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy morning at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a long rope. Braid the dough and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with blueberries and lemon juice. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a deliciously soft and fluffy challah bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, this sweet treat is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Roll out the dough into a long rope. Cut into 8-10 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
7. Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each disk, followed by a dollop of strawberry jam.
8. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a braided shape. Seal the edges with egg wash.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramel Apple Sweet Challah Bread
This sweet bread combines the warm spices of challah with the sweetness of caramel apples, perfect for a fall treat or holiday dessert. Moist and flavorful, this loaf is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into a loaf.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the loaf, then top with diced apples.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Nut Sweet Challah Bread
Moist and flavorful, this Banana Nut Sweet Challah Bread is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons warm water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and granulated sugar.
2. Proof yeast by adding warm water; let sit for 5 minutes. Add to banana mixture and mix well.
3. Add flour, salt, melted butter, beaten egg, and chopped nuts. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Almond Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds to create a delicious and moist challah bread perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cherry jam or preserves, and sliced almonds; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Lime Sweet Challah Bread
This recipe combines the richness of challah bread with the bright flavors of coconut and lime, creating a unique and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Add warm water, melted coconut oil, eggs, and lime juice. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a braided loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Espresso Chocolate Sweet Challah Bread
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this indulgent espresso chocolate challah bread, infused with the deep flavors of dark chocolate and bold espresso. This sweet treat is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy morning with loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or instant espresso powder
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
3. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Beat in the egg, espresso, and dark chocolate chips.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth.
6. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Orange Cranberry Sweet Challah Bread
Brighten up your breakfast or snack time with this sweet and tangy challah bread infused with the warmth of orange zest and the tartness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and orange zest. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth. Fold in cranberries and melted butter.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Peach Cobbler Sweet Challah Bread
Peach Cobbler Sweet Challah Bread Recipe
A sweet and satisfying twist on traditional challah bread, this recipe combines the warmth of peaches with the richness of cobbler flavors. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup canned peaches in syrup, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Sprinkle chopped peaches, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry White Chocolate Sweet Challah Bread
Add a pop of color and flavor to your baking with this scrumptious sweet bread, featuring fresh raspberries and white chocolate. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in white chocolate chips and raspberries.
5. Knead dough for 10 minutes.
6. Place dough in prepared loaf pan and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest of breads! This article presents 19 delectable sweet challah bread recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic honey glazed and cinnamon sugar to more unique flavor combinations like strawberry cream cheese and espresso chocolate, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fruits, nuts, or spices, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of heaven!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
