Step into the inviting kitchen of Jeanne Voss from Anaheim Hills, California, and you’ll be welcomed by the tantalizing aroma of her beloved Sally Lunn Batter Bread. This golden, circular loaf not only captivates the eyes with its beauty but also entices the taste buds with its delightful flavors. Passed down through generations, this beloved recipe has earned a reputation for disappearing within just two days of leaving the oven, a testament to its irresistible appeal.
With its origins shrouded in history and folklore, Sally Lunn Batter Bread boasts a texture reminiscent of sponge cake. One story attributes its name to French Protestant refugees who called it “soleil et lune” (sun and moon) for its contrasting brown crust and airy interior, later transforming into “Sally Lunn” with an English accent. Another tale credits a French refugee named Sally Lunn who settled in Bath, England, and became renowned for her baked goods.
This delightful bread, which serves 12-16, requires minimal effort and rising time. The dough is prepared with warm water, milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and all-purpose flour, producing a soft and luscious texture without the need for kneading. After rising twice, it’s baked to a glorious golden brown hue, ready to be served with heavenly Honey Butter.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 eggs
- 5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
PREPARATIONS:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add warm milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
- Stir the dough down and spoon it into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Cover and let it rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.
- For the Honey Butter, combine softened butter and honey until smooth. Serve with the freshly baked bread.
YIELD: 12-16 SERVINGS
BAKING TIME: 25 MINUTES
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Sally Lunn Batter Bread is traditionally baked in a tube pan, but it can also be made as loaves and buns for added versatility.
TIPS:
- Serve this delightful bread with Honey Butter to enhance its flavors and provide a delectable pairing.
- Experiment with adding toppings like cinnamon sugar or slather the slices with jam for a delightful twist.
Discover the captivating tale behind Sally Lunn Batter Bread, a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations in the home of Jeanne Voss from Anaheim Hills, California. This golden, circular loaf is as pretty as it is delicious, and its alluring aroma has an irresistible pull, beckoning loved ones into the kitchen.
The origins of this bread are steeped in history and folklore, with tales attributing its name to French Protestant refugees who dubbed it “soleil et lune” for its contrasting appearance or to a famous French refugee named Sally Lunn. Regardless of its origins, Sally Lunn Batter Bread has become a Southern favorite since Colonial times, winning the hearts of many.
Prepared with warm water, milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and all-purpose flour, this batter bread requires minimal effort and yields a texture reminiscent of sponge cake. With no kneading necessary, the dough rises to perfection, producing a soft and luscious texture that delights with every bite.
Once the golden loaf emerges from the oven, its allure is undeniable. Sliced and served with Honey Butter, this bread quickly disappears within two days, testament to its delectable taste. The Honey Butter enhances the flavors, providing a delightful pairing to the airy and delicious interior of the bread.
As you savor the delightful Sally Lunn Batter Bread, you’ll feel a sense of connection to history and tradition. Passed down through generations, this bread continues to bring joy and satisfaction to family and friends, a symbol of love and culinary prowess in Jeanne Voss’s kitchen.
In conclusion, Sally Lunn Batter Bread is a heartwarming and cherished recipe that embodies the joy of home-baked goodness. Its enchanting appearance, captivating aroma, and delightful taste make it an irresistible treat, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of savoring it. Whether shared with loved ones or served as a solo indulgence, this bread is a timeless classic that continues to unite generations and create cherished memories.
