Sweet bread (like at mom's house)

Name: Sweet bread (like at mom's house)
Ingredients: 1 kg of flour; 200 g of sugar; 5 eggs; 50 g of fresh yeast; 150 g of margarine (butter); 350 ml of milk; lemon and orange zest; a pinch of salt. FOR THE FILLING: ground walnuts; sugar; cocoa. For brushing: 1 egg; granulated sugar.

Dessert - Sweet bread (like at mom's house) by Dana P. - Recipia

Sweet Bread with Walnut and Cocoa Filling (Just Like at Home) If you've ever wondered what 'home' means through the aroma of a freshly baked sweet bread, you've come to the right place. Sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition, a sweet memory that connects us to the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. This recipe will bring to your table a fluffy sweet bread, filled with rich walnut and a hint of cocoa, just like mom used to make. Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 45-60 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Servings: 2 large sweet breads Necessary ingredients: For the dough: - 1 kg of flour - 200 g of sugar - 5 eggs - 50 g of fresh yeast - 150 g of margarine (or butter, if you prefer) - 350 ml of milk - Zest of one lemon and one orange - A pinch of salt For the filling: - 250 g of ground walnuts - Sugar (2 handfuls, depending on preferences) - 3-4 tablespoons of cocoa (optional, to create a diverse filling) For brushing: - 1 egg - Granulated sugar (for decoration) Step by step: Making the sweet bread 1. Preparing the ingredients: Take all the ingredients out of the fridge about an hour before starting, so they reach room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a well-risen dough. 2. Activating the yeast: Start by warming the milk in a small pot. When it is warm but not hot, add the sugar and fresh yeast. Gently mix with your fingers to dissolve the yeast and let the mixture sit covered with a towel for 15-20 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast has activated. 3. Making the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Begin kneading, adding the eggs one at a time. While kneading, melt the margarine (or butter) and gradually add it to the dough, ensuring it is well incorporated after each addition. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and bubbles form, about 10-15 minutes. 4. Rising: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. 5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with sugar. Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, add the 3-4 tablespoons of cocoa, creating a delicious filling. 6. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal pieces. On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out two of the pieces into rectangles. On one, sprinkle the plain walnut mixture, and on the other, the cocoa filling. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a 1-2 cm border at the edges. Carefully roll each rectangle starting from the bottom, ensuring to seal the ends well so that the filling does not leak during baking. Braid the two rolls together and place them in a greased and lined baking pan. 7. Second rising: Cover the sweet breads with a towel and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven. 8. Finalizing: Preheat the oven to 175°C. After the sweet breads have risen, brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle granulated sugar on top. This step will give a golden and crunchy crust. 9. Baking: Place the sweet breads in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, for even browning, you can turn on the top heat of the oven. Check them with a toothpick to ensure they are well baked. 10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the sweet breads cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Wait patiently for them to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling. Serving suggestions: The sweet bread can be served plain, but you can accompany it with a cup of hot coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a spoonful of fruit jam or a scoop of ice cream will turn each slice into a delight! Possible variations: - You can add raisins or candied fruits to the filling for an extra flavor boost. - Instead of cocoa, try adding vanilla powder or cinnamon to diversify the aroma. Practical tips: - If you don't want the sweet bread to brown too much, you can turn on the oven only on the bottom. 5-10 minutes before the end, you can activate the top heat to achieve a perfect crust. - Make sure all ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast, to achieve optimal rising. Nutritional information (per slice, approximately 100g): - Calories: 290 kcal - Protein: 6 g - Fat: 10 g - Carbohydrates: 43 g - Fiber: 2 g The sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is an experience, a piece of nostalgia, and a way to bring family together. So, don't hesitate to turn your kitchen into a story place and enjoy every slice of sweet bread just like at home!