Chocolate Roll Cake

Nutella and Chocolate Sweet Bread: A Holiday Delight

Sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition filled with memories, joy, and special moments spent with loved ones. This Nutella and chocolate sweet bread recipe promises to bring a smile to the faces of everyone who will savor it. Whether you prepare it for the holidays or simply for a weekend day, it is an excellent choice that will fill the house with delicious aromas.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1-1.5 hours
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients for the Dough

- 700 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffier sweet bread)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 42 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- 350 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 50 g soft butter (not melted, but at room temperature)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 essence of rum

Ingredients for the Filling

- 5-6 tablespoons of Nutella
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, depending on preference)
- ½ jar of apricot jam (or any preferred jam, such as raspberry or plum)

Step by Step: Preparing the Sweet Bread

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of lukewarm milk with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the crumbled yeast. Gently mix and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is the sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt in one corner. In the center of the flour, create a well where you will pour the milk and yeast mixture. Gently mix, then add the egg, soft butter, the remaining sugar, and the rum essence.

3. Kneading: Initially, use your hands to combine the ingredients. When the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough well for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, and if it is too dry, you can gradually add milk.

4. First Rising: Grease the bowl with a little oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 - 1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the Filling: In a bowl, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Mix it with Nutella until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This blend will give the sweet bread a rich and decadent flavor.

6. Shaping the Sweet Bread: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll it out into a sheet about 5-7 mm thick. Spread ¾ of the sheet with the chocolate and Nutella mixture, leaving a small edge.

7. Folding the Dough: Fold the dough into thirds, then roll it out again to fit the baking tray. Cut wide strips about 2 cm. Each strip should be carefully twisted to avoid disturbing the delicious layers of chocolate.

8. Placing in the Tray: Place the twisted strips side by side in the lined baking tray. Let them rest for 15 minutes to relax a bit.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the sweet bread for 25 minutes or until it becomes golden and nicely browned.

10. Finishing: As soon as you remove the tray from the oven, transfer the sweet bread onto a clean towel. Spread it with your favorite jam, then roll it tightly using the towel. Don’t worry if it unrolls a bit; it’s part of the delicious process. Let the sweet bread cool for 4-5 hours, or ideally, until the next day.

Serving and Suggestions

Nutella and chocolate sweet bread is delicious served alongside a cup of warm tea or milk. I recommend dusting it with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant appearance and sweet taste. You can also add some chopped nuts for extra texture or experiment with other types of jam.

Nutritional Benefits

This sweet bread, although a delicacy, also has some nutritional benefits. The whole wheat flour used provides fiber, and dark chocolate contains antioxidants. Additionally, the combination of butter and egg ensures a good source of healthy fats and proteins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; replace the cube of fresh yeast with 14 g of dry yeast.

2. What jam can I use?
You can use any preferred jam: apricot, raspberry, strawberry, or even marmalade.

3. Can I freeze the sweet bread?
Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer.

4. How can I prevent it from falling apart during rolling?
Ensure that the strips are well twisted and that you use a clean, dry towel to roll the sweet bread.

Variations

- Add dried fruits: Before spreading the dough, you can add pieces of raisins or cranberries for a fruitier taste.
- Flavors: Instead of rum essence, you can use vanilla or almond essence for a different flavor.

Nutella and chocolate sweet bread is a versatile dessert that will impress every time, whether served at a festive meal or simply as a little indulgence. Get ready to surprise your family and friends with this delicious recipe!