Yeast plait recipe without stress - easy to prepare & perfect to bake (incl. overnight proofing)

A fluffy, golden-brown yeast plait just like from the bakery - only better because it's homemade and stress-free! In this recipe, I'll show you how to prepare the dough with overnight proofing so that all you have to do the next day is braid and bake it. Perfect for Sunday breakfast, an Easter snack or if you just want the house to smell nice.

Preparation

Ingredients for 1 plait

Dough:

500 g wheat flour (type 550)
7 g fresh yeast
5 g salt
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon aniseed
25 g sugar
2 eggs
50 g melted butter
25 g honey
100 g water
75 g milk
1 organic lemon (zest)

Topping:

1 egg, beaten
Sesame or poppy seeds

Preparation - step by step

Mix the dry ingredients

Place the flour, salt, fennel, aniseed and sugar in a bowl and mix well.
Prepare liquid ingredients

Melt the butter and allow to cool with the water and milk. Stir in the yeast. Add the honey, eggs and lemon zest and mix well.
Knead the dough

Add the liquid mixture to the flour and knead for 4-5 minutes until you have a smooth, soft dough.
Leave the dough to rest

Quick version: Leave to rise for 2 hours at room temperature.
Aromatic version: Leave to mature in the fridge for up to 3 days (recommended for a more intense flavor).

Braid a plait

Degas the dough, divide into three strands and braid loosely into a plait.
Rest & prepare the plait

Place the plait on a baking tray and leave to rise for 30 minutes. Then brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
Baking

Bake in a preheated oven at 190 °C for approx. 30 minutes. The plait is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped.

Tips for the perfect yeast plait

Overnight proofing brings more flavor and makes the dough easier to digest.
Braid loosely - the more relaxed the braid, the fluffier the result.
For a soft crust: Place a bowl of water in the oven.

Why you'll love this recipe

Even baking beginners can succeed
Can be prepared without stress
With little yeast and lots of flavor
Can be varied flexibly - with raisins, granulated sugar or plain
Homemade breakfast love for every occasion

You can find more baking ideas here:

Sourdough bread with stale bread
Honey and lemon bundt cake
The best Sunday bread

HausmannKocht - real home cooking, also from the oven

If you liked this recipe, also check out my YouTube channel HausmannCooks over. There you will find many more breads, plaits and classics - all baked with heart and mind.

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