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ChallahImage for illustration only
Dairy-freeFish-freeCooking With KidsNut-freeContains eggs

Challah

Cooking With Kids

A classic yeast-leavened pastry distinguished by an exceptionally airy, cloud-like crumb and a lustrous golden crust, serving as the centerpiece of any festive table. With its delicate sweetness and an intoxicating aroma that fills the home during baking, this bread is perfect for elegant entertaining or as a comforting accompaniment to artisanal spreads.

Prep
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
WhatsAppOriginal recipe

Answer first

What to know about Challah

A soft, airy braided challah featuring a glossy crust and a subtle sweet aroma. Perfect for your Shabbat or holiday table and ideal for French toast the next morning. This dairy-free parve recipe is kid-friendly and offers an optional crunchy poppy seed topping.

Timing
100 min
Serves
4
Dietary notes
Dairy-free, Fish-free, Cooking With Kids, Nut-free

⚠️Before cooking, check ingredient labels and cross-contact risk for your dietary needs.

This is not medical advice. For allergies or dietary restrictions, always confirm with your healthcare provider.

Instructions

Servings:4
  1. 1Combine the yeast, a pinch of the sugar and a couple tablespoons of lukewarm water in a small bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then leave for 10 mins until foamy.
  2. 2Meanwhile, combine the flour, the remaining sugar and 2 tsp fine salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre, then add half the beaten egg, the yeast mixture and the oil. Pour in 200ml lukewarm water (it should feel slightly warm to the touch) and stir with a spoon, then mix using one hand, keeping the other clean while you bring the dough together. If there are a lot of very dry bits, gradually add a little water to just bring it together – you don't want it to get too wet and sticky. The dough should be moist, but not soggy.

Nutrition

Calories
716
Protein
15.8g
Carbs
112.8g

Recommended Equipment & Products

  • ⚡Electric hand mixer
    Amazon

Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.

Family cooking

Cooking With Kids

Simple ways children can join safely, with adult guidance.

EasyAge 4-12

Age 3-5

Small helper

  • Mash soft ingredients
  • Wash fruit and vegetables
A young child mixing ingredients in a bowl with adult supervision nearby

Age 6-8

Kitchen explorer

  • Stir a batter
  • Measure simple ingredients
A child whisking batter with measuring tools on a family kitchen counter

Chef tips

For an extra fluffy challah, add the flour gradually. Stop once the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl while remaining slightly sticky and supple to the touch. For a sweet treat kids will love, sprinkle pearl sugar over the egg wash. Alternatively, swap sesame seeds for nigella seeds and coarse salt for a rustic, deep flavor.

Culinary reasoning

A classic yeast-leavened pastry distinguished by an exceptionally airy, cloud-like crumb and a lustrous golden crust, serving as the centerpiece of any festive table. With its delicate sweetness and an intoxicating aroma that fills the home during baking, this bread is perfect for elegant entertaining or as a comforting accompaniment to artisanal spreads.

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  • 3Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead using both hands for 10 mins until smooth and a bit springy. If it gets very sticky, add a very small amount of flour – as little as possible. A dough scraper is useful if the dough is sticking to the work surface. Stretch the sides of the dough down and pull together to form a ball. Lightly oil a bowl, then lightly roll the dough ball around the bowl so it's coated in the oil. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave in a warm place for 1 hr, or until dough has doubled in size.
  • 4Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide into three equal pieces, weighing for accuracy, if you like. Roll each piece into a long sausage shape about 25cm long, tapering them slightly at both ends. Lay the pieces out in front of you, parallel to one another with a couple centimetres between each. Bring the sausages together at the top end, then plait them down the length, tucking in the ends when you reach the bottom. Carefully transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet and loosely cover with a clean tea towel. Leave to rise until puffy and billowy, about 40 mins.
  • 5Meanwhile, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas
  • 6Gently brush the rest of the beaten egg all over the challah, getting it into all the crevices, and sprinkle with the poppy or sesame seeds, if using. Bake on a middle shelf of the oven for 25-30 mins, until the loaf is golden brown underneath and sounds hollow when tapped. Check after about 15 mins – if the top of the loaf has started to get too dark, cover it with foil. Leave to cool on a wire rack, then serve.

    • Ingredients

    • 500g Strong white bread flour
    • 70g Caster Sugar
    • 10g Yeast
    • 2 Beaten Egg
    • 70 ml Sunflower Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds

    Nutrition

    Calories
    716
    Protein
    15.8g
    Carbs
    112.8g

    Chef tips

    For an extra fluffy challah, add the flour gradually. Stop once the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl while remaining slightly sticky and supple to the touch. For a sweet treat kids will love, sprinkle pearl sugar over the egg wash. Alternatively, swap sesame seeds for nigella seeds and coarse salt for a rustic, deep flavor.

    Recommended Equipment & Products

    • ⚡Electric hand mixer
      Amazon

    Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.

    Age 9+

    Confident cook

    • Read the steps
    • Portion and shape
    An older child reading a recipe while measuring ingredients independently

    Adults only

    Grown-up task

    • Use heat
    • Handle sharp tools
    An adult safely handling a hot oven tray with oven mitts

    Adult supervision required. Match activities to the child's age and abilities.

    Skills Kids Practice

    • Following instructions
    • Fine motor skills
    • Counting
    • Teamwork

    A good moment to remind kids not to share spoons, to wash hands, and to check ingredients with an adult.

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