This buttery vanilla-scented bread makes an excellent addition to any brunch—or turn it into French toast for double the luxury.

　　

Ingredients

8 servings

　　1 teaspoon dry yeast

　　1/4 cup (60ml) warm water

　　2 2/3 cups (400g) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus more for dusting

　　175g (about 12 1/3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, chopped; plus 25g (about 1 3/4 tablespoons), melted; and more to serve

　　1/3 cup (75g) caster (superfine) sugar

　　2 egg yolks

　　1/2 cup (125ml) buttermilk

　　1 teaspoon vanilla extract

　　1/2 teaspoon table salt

　　

Step 1

Place the yeast, water and 1 tablespoon of the flour in a small bowl. Mix to combine and set aside.

　　

Step 2

Place the chopped butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on low speed until combined.

　　

Step 3

Increase the speed to medium and beat for 8 minutes or until pale and creamy.

　　

Step 4

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg yolks. Beat until well combined.

　　

Step 5

Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the buttermilk, vanilla, salt, the remaining flour and the yeast mixture and beat until combined.

　　

Step 6

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat for a further 8–10 minutes or until the dough is smooth.

　　

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, kneading gently, bring together.

　　

Step 8

Transfer to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place for 2–3 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

　　

Step 9

Brush a 10cm x 20cm (2-liter/2-quart-capacity) loaf tin with half the melted butter. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape into rounds. Arrange in the prepared tin, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

　　

Step 10

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Using kitchen scissors, snip lengthways down the center of the dough in the tin to create 8 portions. Brush the dough with the remaining butter and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden. Pull the loaf apart and spread with extra butter to serve.

　　From Basics to Brilliance © 2017 by Donna Hay. Reprinted with permission from HarperCollins Publishers.Buy the full book from HarperCollins or from Amazon.