Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Easter Bread – A Holiday Delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

When it comes to holidays, chocolate Easter bread is a delicious choice that cannot be missing from the festive table. This recipe combines tradition with modern flavor, offering a perfect blend of fluffy dough and decadent chocolate filling. Even though the recipe may seem complicated, I will guide you step by step so that you achieve a perfect result every time. Let's get started!

A Brief History

Easter bread is a traditional dish associated with the Easter holidays, symbolizing rebirth and prosperity. Over time, recipes for Easter bread have evolved, and the chocolate version has become extremely popular due to its rich texture and intense flavor. So, get ready to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 125 g sugar
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 250 ml milk (warm)
- 3 eggs (approximately)
- 1 tablespoon rum
- Vanilla essence
- 25 g instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the chocolate filling:
- 50 g cocoa
- 100 g chocolate (good quality, preferably high cocoa content)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 eggs
- Vanilla essence
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 100 g almonds or walnuts (optional, for added texture)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add 25 g of instant yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 100 ml of warm milk. Mix gently and let sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is a crucial step as it ensures even rising of the dough.

2. Scalding the Flour

Meanwhile, in another bowl, place 3-4 tablespoons of flour and pour a little boiling milk over it. Mix quickly to avoid lumps. Once it cools slightly, add the yeast mixture. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

3. Egg Cream

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt. This step helps to deepen the yellow color. Gradually add 100 g of sugar and continue beating until you obtain a frothy cream of an intense yellow.

4. Combining Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture has risen, pour it over the remaining 500 g of flour. Add the beaten egg yolks, oil, rum, and the rest of the warm milk. Finally, fold in the whipped egg whites. Here’s a trick: make sure the egg whites are beaten until firm to give the dough a fluffy texture.

5. Kneading the Dough

Knead the dough for 30 minutes, bringing the edges towards the center. Gradually add 50 g of melted butter and, if necessary, add a little warm milk to achieve an elastic and homogeneous dough. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour.

6. Preparing the Chocolate Filling

In a saucepan, beat the eggs with 100 g of sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, 50 g of cocoa, the melted chocolate, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool. After cooling, add 100 g of sour cream and 100 g of melted butter, mixing well.

7. Assembling the Easter Bread

Once the dough has risen, roll out a round sheet about 0.5 cm thick, large enough to cover the bottom of a round pan. Grease the pan with butter and place the dough sheet in it. Pour the chocolate filling over the dough, sprinkle the chopped almonds (or walnuts) on top, and brush with a little egg white.

8. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the Easter bread in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cooling and Serving

Once baked, let the Easter bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a rack. This will allow a perfect texture to reveal itself. Serve the chocolate Easter bread alongside a cup of coffee or flavored tea.

Nutritional Information

This Easter bread has a caloric content of approximately 320 kcal per serving. It is rich in protein due to the eggs and provides a healthy dose of antioxidants from the chocolate. The almonds or walnuts add healthy fats and essential vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra flavor boost, you can serve the Easter bread with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or flavored coffee will highlight the flavors of chocolate and almonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate, but keep in mind that these will change the final taste and texture.

2. How can I make the Easter bread less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. What can I do with the leftover dough?
You can make mini chocolate Easter breads or even sweet breads. Let your imagination run wild!

Possible Variations

For a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or use natural sweeteners instead of sugar. You can also add some dried fruits for a unique taste.

I conclude this recipe with the hope that the chocolate Easter bread will bring joy and flavor to your home. Cook with love and don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones! Enjoy!