Christmas bread with a fasting filling

Post Fanta Sweet Bread: A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

The sweet bread is a symbol of culinary traditions, often associated with holidays but also with moments of celebrating everyday life. This recipe for post Fanta sweet bread is a modern reinterpretation of a classic dish, perfect for bringing a touch of joy to any occasion. With a fluffy texture and a delicious filling, this sweet bread will surely become the star of your meals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 450 g flour
- 250 ml Fanta orange (or another carbonated drink)
- 50 ml oil
- 60 g sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla paste
- 1 tablespoon candied orange peel

For the filling:
- 1 bowl of ground walnuts
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- ½ cup hot water (or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 2 pieces of Turkish delight (optional)

Step by step to a perfect sweet bread

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by warming the Fanta in a small pot, being careful not to let it boil. Then, in a bowl, crumble the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until it becomes liquid. In another bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt, the grated lemon zest, the powdered sugar with vanilla paste, and the activated yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well.

2. Kneading:
Begin to add the warm Fanta gradually, mixing continuously. Then add the oil. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little more flour. Finally, incorporate the candied orange peel, kneading until well combined.

3. Rising:
Place the dough in a bowl covered with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, add the ground walnuts and pour in a little hot water, mixing until you get a smooth paste. Add the cocoa, sugar, and rum essence. Mix well and let it cool slightly.

5. Shaping the sweet bread:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece of dough into a thin sheet, spread half of the walnut filling on it, sprinkle a few cubes of Turkish delight (if using), and roll it tightly. Repeat the process for the second piece of dough.

6. Braiding:
Take the two rolls and braid them together. Place the resulting sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rising:
Cover the sweet bread with a clean towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes in a warm place while preheating the oven to 180°C.

8. Baking:
Once the sweet bread has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and well baked. To check if it is done, you can poke it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

9. Finishing:
Once the sweet bread is baked, take it out of the oven and brush it with a mixture of water, sugar, and a little oil to give it a shiny glaze. Cover it with a clean towel and let it cool.

Helpful tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to facilitate yeast activation.
- If you don’t have Fanta, you can use any other citrus-flavored carbonated drink.
- The walnut filling can be enriched with raisins or other candied fruits for additional flavor.
- It’s important not to open the oven during baking, as temperature fluctuations can affect the texture of the sweet bread.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread contains walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, benefiting heart health. It is also a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in sugar and flour, providing a quick boost of vitality.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace walnuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. What other drinks can I use instead of Fanta?
Any natural juice or citrus-flavored carbonated drink will work well.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread longer?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for later use.

Delicious combinations
This sweet bread is perfect served with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can also pair it with warm chocolate sauce or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

In conclusion, the post Fanta sweet bread is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an opportunity to bring joy to your kitchen. Whether you make it for a celebration or just to indulge yourself, this sweet bread will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!