Cake with raisins and cocoa

Fluffy Raisin and Cocoa Sweet Bread

Sweet bread is one of those recipes that brings warmth and nostalgia into our homes, symbolizing culinary traditions, celebrations, and moments spent with loved ones. Making it may seem like a challenge, but with a little patience and by following each step, you will achieve a fluffy and aromatic sweet bread that will surely become the star of the table. This recipe is for a large sweet bread, perfect for enjoying with family or on special occasions.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (sifted three times for a fluffier bread)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 ml extra lukewarm milk
- 50 g soft butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one orange or lemon (for added flavor)

For the filling:
- 150 g raisins (you can also use chopped nuts or almonds for extra texture)
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Step by step for a perfect sweet bread

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour three times. This step helps aerate the flour and will contribute to making a fluffier sweet bread. Place the sifted flour in a large bowl.

2. Preparing the starter: Heat 250 ml of milk over low heat and add the sugar and vanilla sugar. In another small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1-2 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Add the yeast to the center of the flour, cover it with a little flour, and let it sit in a warm place until it bubbles (about 15-20 minutes).

3. Mixing the egg yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the salt and the zest of the orange or lemon. Once the starter is active, add the egg yolks and the remaining milk to the bowl with flour. Mix with a spoon until well combined.

4. Kneading the dough: Add the soft butter and oil your hands to prevent the dough from sticking. Knead the dough for 30 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 and a half hours, until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, beat the egg whites until frothy, then add the sugar and cocoa powder. Mix well, then add the raisins and, if desired, the chopped almonds.

6. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, prepare your work surface by greasing it with a little oil. Turn the dough out onto the surface and divide it into two or four parts, depending on how you want to braid it. Roll out each piece of dough and spread the filling on top. Roll each piece, and if you divided it into four, braid the rolls together.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Place the rolls in a greased loaf pan (greased with oil and dusted with flour or lined with parchment paper). Allow the sweet bread to rise again in a warm place or in a preheated oven at 40 degrees Celsius until it doubles in size.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees Celsius. Brush the sweet bread with an egg yolk mixed with a little sugar. Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on your oven. Perform the toothpick test; the sweet bread is done when the toothpick comes out clean.

9. Cooling: After baking, let the sweet bread cool in a draft-free place. Wait for it to cool completely before slicing to retain moisture and prevent crumbling.

Practical tips and variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or other dried fruits to diversify the filling.
- If you want a more aromatic sweet bread, try adding a few drops of rum essence to the filling.
- The sweet bread can be kept well at room temperature, covered, for a few days, or frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional benefits: Sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, and adding nuts and dried fruits provides vitamins and minerals. It is a rich dessert, but when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Serving suggestions: Serve the sweet bread alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea to enhance the flavors. You can pair it with fruit jam or a spoonful of cream cheese for a delicious contrast.

Sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a piece of our soul, a symbol of kindness and family bonds. Try this recipe and bring a touch of tradition and love into every slice!