How to Make Alverca: A Portuguese Sweet Bread Delight for Your Family

Alverca, have you heard of it? This delightful Portuguese sweet bread, hailing from a town of the same name, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Imagine soft, fluffy bread infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and orange, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.

Making Alverca at home is easier than you think! This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a successful baking experience even if you’re a busy bee. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful Portuguese treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (around 105-110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Alverca Dough Ingredients

Tools of the Trade

• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush

Let’s Get Baking!

Making the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and orange zest to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour at a time.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Shaping the Alverca

1. Make the cinnamon sugar: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.
2. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
3. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll and slice: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
5. Arrange and rise again: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Shaping Alverca Bread

Baking and Glazing

1. Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Alverca for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Prepare the glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
3. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Alverca rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Baking Success

• Yeast activity is key: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. The foamy stage after mixing it with warm milk and sugar is crucial for a well-risen dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: The amount of sugar in both the dough and filling can be adjusted to your preference.
• Experiment with glaze: Try adding a squeeze of orange juice to the glaze for extra flavor.

FAQs About Alverca

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Absolutely! Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients. You can skip the activation step with warm milk.

Q: Can I freeze Alverca?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled Alverca rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Alverca is a versatile bread that’s perfect for any time of day. Enjoy it warm from the oven with a cup of coffee for breakfast, or serve it as a delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

So go ahead, try this recipe and bring a taste of Portugal to your kitchen! We’d love to hear about your baking adventures – share your experience in the comments below.