Craving Comfort Food? Try this Homemade Spelt Challah Recipe
As a chef, I’m always looking to create the best bread recipes that please both the eyes and the taste buds. My latest creation is a Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe, and I must say, it’s nothing short of amazing.
I’ve discovered that using spelt flour instead of regular wheat flour in bread recipes gives the bread a whole new dimension of flavor while making it healthier for you. The combination of spelt flour, raisins, and ground flax seeds used in this recipe produces a slightly sweet bread that has an irresistible yum taste.
Not everyone has the time to knead and braid the dough traditionally, which is why this bread machine spelt challah recipe makes things much easier. With just a bread machine, some ingredients, and my recipe, you can make delightful loaves that will take your breakfasts or lunches to a whole new level.
Whether you’re looking for something easy to make or are a lover of best bread machine recipes, this Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Get your bread machine ready and let’s make some deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah recipe is an absolute must-try for baking enthusiasts who are looking for a delicious and healthy bread. You will be pleasantly surprised by the result of this machine made bread, which has a slightly sweet flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is the use of spelt flour, which gives it a distinct flavor and texture compared to regular all-purpose flour recipes. The nutty and wholesome taste of the whole grain spelt flour harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients, creating the best bread machine challah recipe you have ever tasted!
Moreover, this recipe doesn’t require any kneading or rising, making it the quickest way to make a homemade Challah dough. Simply add all the ingredients into a bread machine and let it do all the work for you. This machine provides consistent kneading and rising, ensuring that your bread turns out perfect every time.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile and allows for substitutions and variations so you can get creative with your baking. For instance, adding raisins or flax seeds to your bread dough can create new flavors and textures in your final product.
Overall, this Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah recipe will provide you with a nourishing and tasty bread that will keep you coming back for more. Just one bite of this sweet challah will give you an incredible pleasure and satisfaction that no other bread can match!
Ingredient List
Before we get started, take a deep breath and make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe. Trust me; you want to make sure you do not forget anything when following the recipe. So, open your pantry and check for these items:
Dry Ingredients
- 5 cups spelt flour
- 2 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tsp instant yeast or quick yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3/4 cup white sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Make sure the spelt flour is whole grain or wholemeal spelt, as this gives bread a nutty taste with a grainy texture. The ground flax seeds add extra nutrients to the bread, minerals, fiber, and omega-three fatty acids. The white sugar in moderation adds a slightly sweet flavour to the challah dough that combines perfectly with the nutty spelt flour taste. Be mindful of the instant yeast; too much can kill your yeast, too little may not be sufficient to rise your challah bread. Note that for better results combine dry ingredients first in a separate bowl from wet ingredients that can cause yeast activation rapidly.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the bread machine
First, I spray the bread machine pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then, I add 4 cups of spelt flour, 3 teaspoons of quick yeast, and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt.
Step 2: Mix the liquids
In a large mixing bowl, I mix together 2 cups of warm water (between 100-110°F for best yeast performance) and 1 cup of white sugar until the sugar dissolves. To this mixture, I add in ¼ cup of olive oil and whisk to blend them together. Finally, I whisk in two eggs, checking that they are at room temperature.
Step 3: Combine
Slowly pour the liquid mixture over the flour mixture in the bread machine pan. Using the dough setting on my machine, I mix the ingredients together until a dough is formed.
Step 4: Add Raisins
If you like your challah sweet with some depth of flavor and texture variation in it, now is the time to fold in your raisins! Any raisins will work fine alongside flavors such as cinnamon or cardamom!
Step 5: Knead
When dough cycle is complete; transfer dough to a lightly greased surface and knead briefly. Shape into rounds or squares or any shapes that you prefer as you would with other challah recipes. Cover with a cloth and let rest for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare egg wash
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while preparing your egg wash by beating one egg and brushing it over your Challah dough using a pastry brush for that glossy golden finish!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, but keep an eye out as ovens vary across households! Remove from oven and cool on a wire cooling rack. When ready to eat cut thick slices of this tender sweet bread and enjoy its yum taste!
Substitutions and Variations
Let me tell you, the spelt in this sweet bread machine challah recipe gives it a warm and slightly sweet flavor. But don’t worry, if you don’t have spelt flour on hand or want to try something new, there are substitutions available.
If you’re not into spelt flour, you can use whole wheat flour instead. Not only does it have a deliciously nutty flavor and is ultra-nutritious, but it also gives your bread dough a pleasing texture. The dough will be denser than when using spelt flour, but still just as delicious.
For those with allergies or avoidances, free-spelt recipes often say the taste of the bread is best when made with quick yeast instead of instant or dry yeast. The taste may be slightly different, but it’s still good to consider for wheat-allergy sufferers.
You can also substitute olive oil with coconut oil since they both have similar melting and heating points. Coconut oil may seem expensive compared to olive oil, but it has many health benefits like reducing inflammation in the body and improving digestion.
If you want to make a raisin challah or a chocolate chip challah, add 1 cup of raisins or 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before braiding it. Believe me, these additions will turn an already amazing challah recipe into an irresistible dessert.
Lastly, try sprinkling ground cinnamon or cardamom before braiding your challah loaf for different flavors. Cinnamon is always a crowd-pleaser and cardamom brings out an earthy and spicy undertone. Whatever substitution or variation you choose to experiment with, take note that different flours absorb water differently so remember to adjust accordingly for desired results.
Serving and Pairing
The Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe is a versatile bread that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. It’s perfect for breakfast, served with butter and honey or jam. The slightly sweet taste of the challah will enhance the flavor of any spread you use.
For lunch, this spelt challah makes a great sandwich bread. The dense texture of the bread holds up well to hearty sandwich fillings like roasted turkey with avocado and mustard or grilled vegetables with hummus.
Dinner is when this sweet spelt bread really shines. Serve it alongside your favorite soup, stew, or chili recipe. The soft texture and slightly sweet flavor will balance out spicy or savory flavors in your main dish.
And don’t forget dessert! This spelt challah can make a fantastic base for bread pudding or French toast. The raisins add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with custard and maple syrup.
For pairing, I recommend serving this bread with a fruity red wine like Merlot or Beaujolais. If beer is more your style, try pairing it with an ale or wheat beer. And for non-alcoholic options, try serving it with yerba mate tea for a healthy boost in energy or refreshing lemonade for a sweet summer drink.
This sweet bread machine spelt challah recipe is perfect all day long and there is no wrong way to pair it since it is so versatile!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
It’s always a good idea to make the most out of your time in the kitchen, so we’ve got you covered with tips for making this Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe ahead of time, storing it properly, and reheating it to perfection.
To make ahead, prepare the dough as directed and let it rise until doubled in size. Then, punch it down and shape into the desired challah form. Place it on a lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before brushing with an egg wash and baking in the oven.
To store leftover challah, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months.
When you’re ready to reheat your challah, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the bread in foil. Place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can slice the bread and toast it lightly in a toaster or toaster oven.
This spelt challah is perfect for meal prep or for serving at events where you want something that can be made ahead of time. Make sure to store it properly so that you can enjoy its slightly sweet flavor and hearty texture over multiple meals!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfectly baked Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah, there are some key tips and tricks to keep in mind. As an Israeli chef who has been making challah for years, I have learned a thing or two about baking this traditional Jewish bread in a modern machine using spelt flour. In this section, I will share my expert tips and recommendations for ensuring that your machine-spelt challah turns out soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet every time.
First and foremost, as with any bread recipe, it is essential to measure your ingredients correctly. This is crucial in achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. When measuring flour, I recommend fluffing the flour with a fork before scooping it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Another tip for perfect results is to make sure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated before adding it to the dough mixture. You can test the activation of the instant yeast by mixing it into warm water with a pinch of sugar and waiting for it to start bubbling. If it doesn’t froth up after 10 minutes, then your yeast may be expired or inactive.
When making the dough in the bread machine, remember that different machines have different settings and cycles. Follow your machine’s instructions closely on which cycle to use and when to add each ingredient. Generally, the dry ingredients should be added first, followed by wet ingredients like water, oil, or eggs.
For best results when braiding the dough, divide it into equal parts and roll each piece gently into ropes without flattening them. Then braid carefully and pinch the ends together.
Finally, when brushing on the egg wash before baking your challah in the oven, sprinkle on some raisins for extra sweetness and texture. This will give your challah a beautiful golden color as well as add an element of surprise when biting into soft raisins.
By following these tips for perfect results, you will end up with the best Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah ever – three words: yum-yum-yum!
FAQ
As we continue to explore this Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe, let us delve into the frequently asked questions to ensure that you get the best results possible. These questions will range from ingredients and substitutes, to common mistakes made during preparation and storage. So, let’s get started!
What does spelt flour add to bread?
To create a flavorful and structurally sound bread, I chose to use a combination of spelt flour and all-purpose flour. The spelt flour adds a distinct nutty taste and a soft texture to the bread, while the small amount of all-purpose flour provides the necessary support to rise and form a tall loaf.
Why isn t my challah sweet?
Challah bread usually incorporates a couple of eggs in its dough to enhance its flavor. In the case of a cinnamon twist challah or any other sweet variation, milk may also be a part of the recipe for an enhanced taste. An eggless challah is typically less flavorful, and for that reason, I recommend utilizing it for a French Toast recipe.
Does Spelt bread take longer to rise?
Once spelt dough has been through its second proving and it has doubled in size, it is advisable to bake it as soon as possible since it rises faster than regular wheat flour.
What is the best flour for challah?
While Myrna’s recipe asks for all-purpose flour, I prefer using bread flour for this challah recipe. It adds a substantial texture to the bread without compromising its tenderness and also ensures that the loaf retains its signature shape even after baking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sweet bread machine spelt challah recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking and enjoys a slightly sweet, comforting bread. The whole grain spelt flour gives the bread a distinct nutty flavor and is loaded with nutrition. The recipe’s versatility allows for many substitutions and variations, making it easy to adjust for different dietary needs or personal preferences.
I highly recommend trying this bread machine challah recipe as it will not disappoint – it is indeed the best bread machine spelt challah out there. The soft texture of the dough, easy braiding process, and delicious egg wash make this challah recipe unique and irresistible. You will love the way it tastes, smells, and looks.
Prepare yourself for blissful moments of yum taste by following my detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations. With a little patience and love for baking, you too can master the art of making your own delicious machine spelt challah at home. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – it will quickly become your go-to for quick yeast-free spelt flour recipes on Yummly!
Sweet Bread Machine Spelt Challah Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 eggs (check for blood)
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- ground flax seeds, to taste (optional)
- 3 2/3 cups spelt flour
- 4 teaspoons instant yeast
- raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Put in the ingredients into your breadmachine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Select 'dough cycle'.
- In my bread machine, I am able to add in raisins after the first mixing - it beeps. Check your machine for directions on adding ingredients in after starting the dough cycle.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- When taking out dough, if too sticky, roll in flour to ease shaping.
- Braid loaves and place in oiled baking pan (I recommend 8x4 non-stick).
- Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let rise for 45 minutes. Can skip this step if in a rush.
- Coat top with egg yolk and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
- Approximate bake time: One challah -. 45 minutes. Two challahs -35 minutes. Three challahs - 25 minutes.