Baby-friendly cozonaci (sugar-free)

Baby-friendly sweet bread (sugar-free)

Sweet bread is a traditional dessert, rich in history and symbolism, reminding us of family holidays and special moments. This time, I propose a baby-friendly sweet bread recipe, sugar-free, perfect for offering little ones a healthy alternative to regular sweets. This recipe was created with love, thinking of children's health and the joy of seeing them enjoy a delicious and fluffy dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 ml warm milk
- 75 g soft butter (82% fat)
- 2 whole country eggs
- 3 dried figs
- 6-7 dates
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon cranberries
- 1 tablespoon goji berries
- Zest of one orange
- Approximately 550-600 g flour 000
- 1.5 teaspoons dry yeast

For the filling:
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons carob powder
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for those who are not intolerant)
- 150 g chopped walnuts
- 100 g ground cashews

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks

Step-by-step instructions

1. Hydrating the dried fruits:
Start by placing all the dried fruits in a large bowl: figs, dates, raisins, cranberries, and goji berries. Cover them with water and let them hydrate for 4-5 hours. This step is essential to make them softer and easier to incorporate into the dough.

2. Preparing the fruit mixture:
After the fruits have hydrated, drain the water and place them in a blender. Add the warm milk and blend until you obtain a smooth liquid. This paste will give a wonderful taste and a fluffy texture to the sweet bread.

3. Mixing the ingredients in the bread machine:
Pour the fruit mixture into the bread machine's bowl. Add the following ingredients in this order: soft butter, whole eggs, orange zest, flour, and yeast. The amount of flour may vary, so add it gradually until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the bowl's walls. This step is crucial for obtaining a light and fluffy dough.

4. Kneading the dough:
Set the bread machine to the dough program, which, in my case, takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. This program will knead and let the dough rise.

5. Preparing the pans:
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare two sweet bread pans by lining them with parchment paper.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the carob, honey, chopped nuts, and cashews, mixing well. This healthy filling will add an intense flavor and make the sweet breads even more delicious.

7. Shaping the sweet breads:
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bread machine and divide it into two. On an oiled surface, stretch the first piece of dough with your hands, without pressing too hard. Brush the dough with a spoonful of honey, then add half of the filling. Roll the dough, twist it gently, and place it in the sweet bread pan. Repeat the same process with the second piece of dough.

8. Final fermentation:
Cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel and place them above the stove, where it is warm, allowing them to rise for another hour.

9. Baking:
Before placing the sweet breads in the oven, brush them with the beaten egg yolks. Place the pans on the top rack of the oven and bake for about 60 minutes at low heat. You will know they are ready when they turn beautifully golden on top.

10. Cooling and serving:
After the sweet breads are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully peel off the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a rack, covered with a clean towel. Cut them only after they have completely cooled to avoid cracking.

Useful tips
- Choosing ingredients: Always use quality ingredients, as they will influence the final taste of the sweet bread. Choose good quality butter and country eggs for a richer flavor.
- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed and the milk with a plant-based alternative (e.g., almond milk).
- Customization: You can also add other dried fruits, such as pineapple or cherries, to create unique combinations. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts.

Nutritional information
These baby-friendly sweet breads are an excellent choice for providing children with a healthy dessert, rich in nutrients. With no added sugar, they are naturally sweetened by the dried fruits. Each serving provides a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I add cocoa to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add a few tablespoons of cocoa to the dough to make a chocolate sweet bread, perfect for little sweet lovers.

2. How can I store the sweet breads?
The sweet breads can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What can I serve with the sweet breads?
These sweet breads are delicious alongside a warm tea or plant-based milk. You can also add a serving of natural yogurt for a healthy breakfast.

A personal note
Every time I prepare this recipe, I think of the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who shared with me the secrets of the perfect sweet bread. Each bite of this sweet bread reminds me of those happy days, and now I want to share this tradition with my children. I hope they create beautiful memories around the table, enjoying healthy and delicious dishes.

Enjoy your meal! Your sweet breads will surely be a success!