Braided cake with dried fruits and almonds

Twisted brioche with dried fruits and almonds

The brioche is a delicacy that evokes childhood memories, festive moments, and family warmth. This recipe for twisted brioche with dried fruits and almonds transforms a simple dough into a culinary masterpiece, full of flavors and textures. It is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but it can also be an excellent choice for festive meals. Let’s embark together on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 brioches

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour type 450
- 250 ml milk
- 80 g sugar
- 80 g butter
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 50 g raisins
- 50 g dried apricots
- 50 g almonds
- 1 egg yolk for brushing on top

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is important to have everything at hand to make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable. Check if you have flour type 450, which is ideal for brioche, but if you can’t find it, you can use any other good quality white flour. Also, make sure the yeast is fresh, to achieve a fluffy brioche.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dry yeast. This step is essential to evenly mix the ingredients and allow the yeast to activate properly. There is no need to sift the flour if you do not have a sifter at hand; the mixture will work just fine without it.

3. Preparing the milk
Heat the milk in a small saucepan, taking care not to boil it. Add the sugar and diced butter and stir until they are completely melted. It is important for the milk to be warm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

4. Preparing the egg
Beat the egg well in a small bowl, adding a little milk from the one prepared earlier. This mixture will add richness to your dough.

5. Forming the dough
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the dry ingredients and start kneading. It is essential to knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes soft and non-sticky. If you have help, that’s perfect! Together, you will create a wonderful dough. If you feel that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

6. Let the dough rise
Dust the dough with a little flour and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This process is crucial, as the yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.

7. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, chop the dried apricots and soak them with the raisins in warm water. This will make them softer and more flavorful. Also, peel the almonds (if they are raw) and chop them finely, leaving a tablespoon aside for decoration.

8. Forming the brioche
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. Each piece of dough will be rolled out into a rectangular sheet. Sprinkle the mixture of dried fruits and chopped almonds on each sheet and carefully roll them up. Make sure the rolls are tightly sealed so that the filling does not leak out during baking.

9. Braiding
Take the three rolls and braid them gently, sealing the ends. This step not only looks spectacular but also allows the filling to be distributed evenly.

10. Second rise
Place the brioche in a greased or parchment-lined baking tray and cover it again, letting it rise for another 30 minutes. This step will ensure an even fluffier brioche.

11. Preparing for baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. When the brioche has risen again, brush it with the egg yolk and sprinkle the chopped almonds on top. These will add a crunchy texture and a desired appearance.

12. Baking
Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes. Check it occasionally; if it browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

13. Cooling
After the brioche is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cutting the brioche before it cools completely may lead to a less airy texture.

14. Serving
The brioche should only be cut after it has completely cooled to preserve all its flavor and moisture. It is delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but it can also be enjoyed plain or with a little peach jam or honey.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can also add nuts, chocolate, or other candied fruits to the filling.
- The brioche keeps well in an airtight container, but it can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
- This brioche is an excellent choice for holidays, but it is also perfect for a simple weekend afternoon.

Nutritional benefits:
The twisted brioche with dried fruits and almonds is not only tasty but also nutritionally beneficial. Dried fruits bring fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while almonds provide healthy fats and protein. It is a good choice to add extra nutrients to your diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture of the brioche will be different and denser.
2. Why shouldn’t you sift the flour? Sifting helps aerate the flour, but it is not essential if you use good quality flour.
3. What happens if the dough doesn’t rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the dough is left in a warm place.

I hope this recipe for twisted brioche with dried fruits and almonds will inspire you to cook and create unforgettable moments around the table. Enjoy your meal!