There’s something magical about starting the day with the warm, golden glow of freshly baked sunshine bread. This cheerful loaf gets its name from its vibrant yellow hue, thanks to the addition of wholesome ingredients that not only brighten its color but also its flavor. It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra light to your mornings, no matter the season.
Sunshine Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F; warm to touch but not hot)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest (finely grated)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by combining it with the warm milk and 1 tsp of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until it starts to come together.
- Add the softened butter in small chunks and knead until fully incorporated.
2. Knead and Rise
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in it, turning once to coat it in oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise for 1–1.5 hours in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Bread
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles.
- Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into desired portions for smaller rolls.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 20–30 minutes.
4. Bake the Sunshine Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Optional: Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) for a glossy golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean.
| Step | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing the dough | 10–15 minutes | Ensure butter is fully incorporated for even texture. |
| Kneading | 8–10 minutes | Dough should feel smooth and elastic. |
| First rise | 1–1.5 hours | Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free location. |
| Second rise | 20–30 minutes | Loaf should puff up but not rise excessively. |
| Baking | 25–30 minutes | Watch closely for golden crust and avoid overbaking. |
Notes
- If desired, you can mix golden raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries into the dough during shaping to add extra flavor and texture to your sunshine bread.
- Store baked sunshine bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for extended freshness.
Ingredients
To create our cheerful and golden-hued Sunshine Bread, gather the following fresh and high-quality ingredients. Each component works together to deliver the vibrant color, warm flavor, and soft texture this bread is known for.
For The Bread Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a smooth texture)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 100°F – warm to the touch but not hot)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (strained to remove pulp)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
For The Glaze
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar (powdered and lump-free)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (adds a zesty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated for a vibrant citrus kick)
Optional Add-Ins
Enhance the bread’s flavor and texture by mixing in any of these optional ingredients:
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (unsweetened, for additional sweetness and texture)
This versatile recipe lets us experiment with add-ins to suit our preferences or leave them out for a classic loaf. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the ideal balance of texture, taste and color.
Tools And Equipment
To prepare our Sunshine Bread, having the right tools and equipment is essential for achieving the perfect golden loaf. Below is a list of items and why each one is important during the bread-making process. Let’s ensure our kitchen is fully stocked before we get started!
Essential Tools For Sunshine Bread
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two large, sturdy mixing bowls—one for preparing the dough and another for proofing. Glass or stainless steel works best.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for success. Keep standard dry and liquid measuring tools handy.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: For unprecedented accuracy, especially with flour, a digital scale ensures exact weights.
- Whisk and Silicone Spatula: Use a whisk to mix wet ingredients evenly and a silicone spatula for scraping the bowl sides during preparation.
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment: A stand mixer makes kneading effortless. Its dough hook attachment is perfect for this recipe, creating a smooth and elastic dough.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for applying the optional glaze made of orange juice and zest evenly across the baked surface.
- Bench Scraper: Helps in dividing and shaping the dough neatly.
- Bread Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): This pan gives the bread its classic loaf shape. A nonstick or well-greased pan ensures easy release.
- Plastic Wrap or Dish Towel: Use these to cover the dough during resting and rising to retain moisture.
- Oven Thermometer: To confirm your oven’s temperature is accurate for that perfect golden crust.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the bread to cool completely without trapping steam underneath, keeping the crust crisp.
Additional Equipment For Customizations
If you’re planning to use any of the optional add-ins (like golden raisins, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut), here’s what else we’ll need:
- Chopping Board and Knife: For finely dicing or chopping nuts.
- Zester or Microplane: Essential for adding fresh citrus zest to the dough or glaze.
Tools At a Glance
For quick reference, below is a summarized table of the required tools:
| Tool or Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Mixing, proofing, and holding dough batter |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Digital Kitchen Scale | Perfect ingredient weights |
| Whisk and Silicone Spatula | Mixing and scraping |
| Stand Mixer + Dough Hook | Effortless dough kneading |
| Pastry Brush | Applying the glaze evenly |
| Bench Scraper | Dividing and shaping the dough |
| Bread Loaf Pan (9×5-inch) | Provides structure and shape to the bread |
| Plastic Wrap/Dish Towel | Retains moisture while proofing |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures precise baking temperature |
| Cooling Rack | Prevents soggy crust by allowing airflow |
| Chopping Board/Knife | Prepares mix-ins like nuts |
| Zester or Microplane | Adds fresh citrus zest for flavor |
Using these tools simplifies the bread-making process and ensures that every step leads to a beautiful, evenly baked Sunshine Bread.
Directions
Let’s dive into crafting the perfect sunshine bread. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to achieve the warm, golden loaf we all love!
Prep The Ingredients
- Measure and prepare all your ingredients. Use a digital kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Warm the milk to about 110°F. This ensures the yeast activates effectively.
- Juice the oranges and zest them finely to maximize flavor.
- Bring the eggs to room temperature for a smoother dough.
- If using optional add-ins like raisins or nuts, chop them finely.
Make The Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/4 cup warm milk and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the following to the yeast mixture:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- Gradually mix in 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. It should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
First Rise
- Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Place the dough inside and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot (around 75-80°F) for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. Use an oven thermometer if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature.
Shape The Dough
- Punch down the risen dough lightly to release air.
- On a floured surface, shape the dough into your desired form. For a loaf, gently form it into a rectangle and fold it into a log.
- If adding mix-ins like golden raisins, knead them into the dough gently before shaping.
Second Rise
- Transfer the shaped dough to a greased bread loaf pan.
- Cover again with plastic wrap or a dish towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes. The dough should puff up but not overflow.
Bake The Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F while the dough is completing its second rise.
- Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- If you want a shine, brush the warm bread with an orange glaze made from:
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/4 tsp orange zest
Tips For Perfect Sunshine Bread
Crafting sunshine bread is both an art and a science, and achieving that perfect golden loaf requires attention to detail. Here are our essential tips to elevate your baking game:
1. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Using a digital kitchen scale is a game-changer when it comes to baking. Precise measurements ensure consistent results every time. If a recipe calls for 300 grams of flour, weigh it—don’t estimate. Even slight deviations can affect the texture and rise of the bread.
2. Activate Yeast Properly
For soft and fluffy sunshine bread, ensure your active dry yeast is properly activated. Use warm milk that’s between 100°F to 110°F (slightly warm to the touch but not hot). If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes, it’s likely expired or the liquid temperature was incorrect.
3. Focus On Proper Kneading
Kneading develops gluten and gives the bread its desired structure. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand or for 6-7 minutes with a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic. Gluten is essential for that lofty rise and airy crumb, so don’t skimp on this step.
4. Allow Dough to Rise in a Warm Environment
Dough needs a warm, draft-free space to rise effectively. Aim for a temperature of around 75°F to 85°F. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turn the oven on for a minute to heat, then switch it off) or near a sunny windowsill.
5. Use Fresh Citrus
The rich yellow hue and refreshing flavor of sunshine bread come from fresh orange juice and zest. Always zest or squeeze oranges just before use to preserve their vibrant oils and maximum flavor. Avoid bottled juice as it may lack the same brightness.
6. Master the Shaping Process
Once the first rise is complete, punch down the dough and shape it with care. Here are shaping tips:
- Roll out the dough gently to remove large air pockets.
- Tightly tuck and roll into a loaf shape to create a uniform crumb.
Place the dough into a lightly greased loaf pan for the final rise. The proper shaping prevents collapsing and ensures a consistent texture.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven thoroughly—this ensures even baking. Bake at the recommended temperature (typically 350°F) until the bread develops a deep golden-brown crust. For accuracy, use a kitchen thermometer and check the internal bread temperature—it should read 190°F when done.
8. Enhance with an Optional Orange Glaze
Applying a simple orange glaze gives the loaf an extra shine and additional citrus flavor. Combine 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, and ½ teaspoon orange zest; drizzle it over the warm bread for a glossy finish.
9. Store Sunshine Bread Properly
To keep your bread fresh:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (wrapped in foil/plastic) | 2-3 days | Avoid refrigeration to prevent dryness. |
| Freezing (wrapped in foil & airtight bag) | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature before serving. |
Following these steps and tips will help you achieve truly delightful sunshine bread with a golden hue, a tender crumb, and a hint of refreshing citrus.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead for sunshine bread lets us enjoy the flavors and aromas of fresh-baked bread without the rush. Here’s how we can prepare parts of the recipe in advance for smoother mornings or last-minute gatherings:
Preparing the Dough the Night Before
- After kneading the dough as instructed, place it in a large, lightly greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Instead of letting it rise at room temperature, store it in the refrigerator overnight. The slow fermentation in the cold environment enhances flavor and texture.
- The next day, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before shaping.
Freezing the Shaped Dough
- Once we’ve shaped the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze the loaf unbaked. Frozen unbaked dough can be stored for up to 1 month.
- To bake, transfer the dough to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Then, let it rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size, before baking.
Baking Ahead
- Bake the bread as per standard instructions and let it cool completely.
- Wrap the cooled loaf in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then seal it in an airtight bag for freezing. Properly stored, baked sunshine bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For reheating, thaw the bread at room temperature and warm it in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 15 minutes, until soft and refreshed.
Prepping the Glaze
- We can make the orange glaze up to 2 days in advance. Prepare it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- When ready to use, let the glaze come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before drizzling over the bread.
| Make-Ahead Step | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Dough (pre-rise) | Refrigerated, covered tightly | Up to 12 hours |
| Shaped dough (unbaked) | Frozen, wrapped tightly | Up to 1 month |
| Baked bread | Frozen in airtight wrap | Up to 3 months |
| Orange glaze | Refrigerated in container | Up to 2 days |
Storage And Reheating
To ensure our sunshine bread stays fresh and flavorful, proper storage and reheating techniques are essential. Here’s how we can preserve its golden texture and delightful taste for days to come.
Storing Sunshine Bread
- Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a humid climate, refrigeration is advisable. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable bag or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread. Slice the loaf, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Here is a quick reference guide:
| Storage Method | Packaging Required | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Plastic wrap or airtight container | Up to 3 days |
| Refrigeration | Plastic wrap + resealable bag/container | Up to 5 days |
| Freezing | Slices wrapped in plastic + freezer bag | Up to 3 months |
Reheating Sunshine Bread
To revive the tender crumb and fresh-baked aroma of our sunshine bread, it’s important to reheat it correctly:
- Room Temperature Bread: Serve slices directly or lightly toast them in a toaster for 1-2 minutes.
- Refrigerated Bread: Allow slices to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then warm in the toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Frozen Bread: No need to thaw. Remove a slice from the freezer, unwrap, and warm it directly in the toaster for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: To maintain moisture and avoid dryness when reheating multiple slices in the oven, wrap them in aluminum foil. For added flavor, spread a little butter or a drizzle of the reserved orange glaze before serving.
Conclusion
Sunshine bread brings warmth and joy to any table with its vibrant color and delightful flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, a special occasion, or just because, it’s a rewarding baking experience that fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of citrus and freshly baked bread.
With the right tools, a little patience, and a touch of creativity, this golden loaf can easily become a household favorite. From its soft, tender crumb to the optional orange glaze, every bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures homemade bread offers.
Let’s embrace the opportunity to bake something that not only tastes amazing but also brightens our day. Sunshine bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a slice of happiness we can share with those we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sunshine bread?
Sunshine bread is a bright, golden loaf made with wholesome ingredients like orange juice and zest. Its cheerful color and citrusy flavor make it perfect for breakfast or any time you want to brighten your day.
What ingredients do I need to make sunshine bread?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, warm milk, orange juice, eggs, butter, orange zest, and optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins. Additionally, a simple glaze can be made with confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and zest.
How do I ensure my bread rises properly?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it with warm milk (around 110°F). Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in size.
Can I make sunshine bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight, freeze shaped unbaked dough, or bake the bread in advance. The orange glaze can also be prepared ahead for convenience.
How do I store sunshine bread?
Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat sunshine bread?
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for a few minutes. If frozen, let the bread thaw first, then reheat to maintain moisture and flavor.
What makes sunshine bread unique?
Its vibrant yellow hue and citrusy flavor, achieved with fresh orange juice and zest, set it apart. It’s both visually appealing and delicious, making it ideal for any season.
Can I add extra ingredients to sunshine bread?
Yes! Feel free to mix in golden raisins, nuts, or even a pinch of spices like cinnamon to customize the bread to your taste.
What tools do I need to make sunshine bread?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups, a digital kitchen scale, a whisk, a stand mixer with a dough hook, and a loaf pan for baking.
Does sunshine bread have to be glazed?
No, glazing is optional. The orange glaze adds sweetness and shine, but the bread is still delicious when served plain or lightly buttered.