Fluffy cake with raisins and Turkish delight

Name: Fluffy cake with raisins and Turkish delight - Dochia L.
Ingredients: 2 kg flour; 750 ml milk; 250 ml mineral water; 2 cubes of yeast; 1 lemon; 250 g granulated sugar; 125 g lard; 125 g butter; 6 eggs; essence; raisins

Dessert - Fluffy cake with raisins and Turkish delight by Dochia L. - Recipia

Fluffy Sweet Bread with Raisins and Turkish Delight The sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true tradition that brings us together during festive moments. Whether you prepare it for Christmas or Easter, this fluffy sweet bread with raisins and Turkish delight evokes warm memories and an unforgettable taste. With a light texture and delicious fillings, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a place filled with enticing aromas. Preparation time: 1 hour Rising time: 2 hours Baking time: 35-40 minutes Number of servings: 12 Necessary ingredients: - 2 kg flour (preferably type 650, for a fluffy sweet bread) - 750 ml milk (preferably whole, for a richer taste) - 250 ml sparkling water (the bubbles help make the bread fluffier) - 2 cubes of fresh yeast (or 2 packets of dry yeast) - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 250 g granulated sugar - 125 g lard (to provide a tender texture) - 125 g butter (for a creamy taste) - 6 eggs (use only the yolks for a richer sweet bread) - 1 vanilla essence - Turkish delight (cut into cubes, according to preference) - Raisins (preferably soaked in warm water or rum before use) Preparing the sweet bread: 1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour twice. This step is essential to aerate the flour and achieve a fluffy sweet bread. Well-aerated flour will create a light and soft texture. 2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the yeast with a little sugar, then add a few tablespoons of warm milk. Mix well until the yeast completely dissolves, then add flour (about 100 g) to create a paste similar to sour cream. Cover the bowl and let it rise for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. 3. Preparing the dough: In a pot, bring the rest of the milk to a boil. When it starts boiling, turn off the heat and take half of the milk, adding it to about 300 g of the sifted flour. Mix until you obtain a smooth paste and let it cool slightly. Ideally, it should be warm, not hot. 4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and milk paste, the activated yeast, the beaten eggs with the remaining sugar, the lemon zest and juice, the vanilla essence, the lard, and the melted butter. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated. You can use a mixer with dough hooks, but the manual method is just as effective. 5. Kneading: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but don't overdo it to avoid a tough sweet bread. 6. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. 7. Filling the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions (usually 3-4 pieces). Roll each piece of dough on a floured work surface, then fill with raisins, Turkish delight, ground nuts, and, if desired, a mixture of egg whites with cocoa. Carefully braid the dough, forming a roll shape. 8. Placing in the pan: Arrange the sweet breads in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a diluted egg yolk and a little milk for a golden, shiny crust. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes in the tray. 9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175°C and bake the sweet breads for 35-40 minutes or until golden and when tapped lightly, they sound hollow. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil. 10. Cooling: After baking, let the sweet breads cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Chef's tip: If you want an even more aromatic sweet bread, add a few drops of rum essence to the filling. You can experiment with different filling combinations, such as chocolate, candied fruits, or roasted nuts, to achieve a personalized result. Nutritional benefits: The sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, and the filling with nuts and raisins adds extra fiber and antioxidants. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Frequently asked questions: 1. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the ambient temperature is warm. You can try letting the dough rise in a warmer place or covering it with a damp towel to maintain humidity. 2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh for a longer time? Store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag. You can freeze the sweet bread sliced, and before serving, you can gently reheat it in the oven. 3. What can I serve with the sweet bread? The fluffy sweet bread with raisins and Turkish delight pairs perfectly with a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee. You can also try serving it with a chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Now that you know how to prepare this traditional sweet bread, all that's left is to get started and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy and Happy New Year!