World Flavors Cookbook

Chałka (Sweet Braided Bread)

A rich, sweet, braided yeast bread similar to Challah. Topped with a crunchy sugar crumble (kruszonka), it is a favorite breakfast bread in Poland.

Cuisine: Poland

Ingredients

• 500g flour
• 25g fresh yeast
• 250ml warm milk
• 100g sugar, 100g butter
• 2 eggs + 1 for brushing
• Crumble: 50g flour, 25g sugar, 25g butter

Instructions

1. Make a yeast starter with milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rise for 15 minutes.
2. Mix flour, starter, eggs, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Divide dough into 3 ropes and braid them. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with the crumble ingredients mixed together.
6. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until golden brown.