Sweet bread with candied apricots and orange syrup

Name: Sweet bread with candied apricots and orange syrup - Codruta D.
Ingredients: For the dough:; 275 g butter; 575 g white flour; 250 g sugar; 2 eggs; 150 ml warm milk; 1 packet of dry yeast; 200 g dried apricots. For the orange syrup:; 2 oranges; 150 ml water; zest of 1 lemon; mint syrup (about 50 ml); 100 g shortcrust pastry; for decoration (optional); 1 beaten egg (optional)

Dessert - Sweet bread with candied apricots and orange syrup by Codruta D. - Recipia

Sweet Bread with Dried Apricots and Orange Syrup Sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it symbolizes tradition, family gatherings, and celebrations. This recipe for sweet bread with dried apricots and orange syrup combines sweet and citrus flavors, creating a delight that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Preparing this sweet bread is a true art, but with the right steps, the result will surely meet your expectations. Preparation time: 30 minutes Rising time: 1 hour Baking time: 40 minutes Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes Servings: 12 Ingredients For the dough: - 275 g butter (ideally at room temperature) - 575 g all-purpose flour (for a fluffy sweet bread, choose high-quality flour) - 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to personal preference) - 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature) - 150 ml warm milk (not hot, as it may activate the yeast prematurely) - 1 packet of dry yeast (approx. 7 g) - 200 g dried apricots (chopped into small pieces) For the orange syrup: - 2 oranges (organic, to avoid chemicals) - 150 ml water - Zest of 1 lemon (for a more intense flavor) - 50 ml mint syrup (optional, but adds extra flavor) For decoration (optional): - 100 g shortcrust pastry - 1 beaten egg (for glazing the sweet bread) Nutritional information (per serving) Calories: 350 kcal Protein: 6 g Fat: 15 g Carbohydrates: 50 g Preparation 1. Preparing the dough Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar from the total amount to activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it forms a foam. 2. Mixing the ingredients In a large bowl, combine the flour with the remaining sugar. Add the eggs and softened butter, then pour in the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’s important not to rush this step, as well-kneaded dough will result in a fluffy sweet bread. 3. First rise Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in size. 4. Preparing the orange syrup Meanwhile, wash the oranges with hot water to remove the wax. Peel them with a special peeler, then squeeze the juice. In a saucepan, combine the juice with water and mint syrup, bringing the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the orange and lemon zest. Cover and let it cool. 5. Shaping the sweet bread Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Roll out a large sheet, then generously sprinkle the chopped dried apricots. Roll it up tightly, and trim the ends to create an even shape. 6. Forming and second rise From the roll, cut pieces about 2.5 cm thick. Form a ball from the trimmed ends and place it in the center of a greased and floured cake pan. Arranging the dough pieces around the ball will create a beautiful and appetizing appearance. Let the sweet bread rise again, covered, for 30 minutes. 7. Baking Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet bread with warm orange syrup and bake for about 40 minutes. During baking, it’s recommended to brush it 2-3 times with the remaining syrup for better flavor. 8. Finishing touches When the sweet bread is golden brown and passes the toothpick test, remove it from the oven. If you want to give it a glossy appearance, brush it with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Leave it in the oven for another 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serving This sweet bread with dried apricots and orange syrup is perfect to serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert. It’s ideal for holidays or gatherings with family and friends. Variations If you want to experiment, you can replace the dried apricots with other dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries. You can also add nuts or almonds for extra crunch. Helpful tips - Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough. - Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid dropping the temperature. - If you don’t have mint syrup, you can use mint extract or omit it altogether. Frequently asked questions - Can I use whole wheat flour? Whole wheat flour will make the sweet bread denser. It’s recommended to mix all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a better texture. - How long does the sweet bread keep? This sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap for 3-4 days at room temperature. It can also be frozen for later enjoyment. - Can I use fresh yeast? Absolutely! Replace one packet of dry yeast with 25 g of fresh yeast. I hope this recipe inspires you to try making a delicious sweet bread. Cooking is an art form, and this sweet bread will surely bring joy to your home! Enjoy!

Sweet bread with candied apricots and orange syrup

Tags

Categories