Cinnamon fan cake

Fan-Shaped Cinnamon Sweet Bread – The Star of Festive Tables

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

Have you ever thought of a dessert that is both delicious and looks spectacular on your table? The fan-shaped cinnamon sweet bread is the answer! With a fluffy texture and a crispy exterior, this sweet bread will delight your guests and quickly become a family favorite.

The history of sweet bread is rich in tradition, with deep roots in culinary culture. Over time, it has been made with love and devotion, from festive meals to everyday ones. Each recipe has its own story, and today I will share my simple and tasty version that will bring smiles with every slice.

Ingredients:
- 500 g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 150 ml lukewarm milk (ideally at room temperature)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 250 g melted butter (for a rich flavor and fine texture)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the filling:
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Preparing the fan-shaped cinnamon sweet bread is a delightful experience, and I will guide you step by step.

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a few tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Add a tablespoon of flour and mix well to create a sponge. Let the sponge rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure a fluffy texture for the sweet bread.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour, add the sponge, lukewarm milk, beaten eggs with sugar, and lemon zest. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until a dough forms. Gradually add the melted butter, stirring constantly. Continue kneading the dough until it becomes soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size. You can lightly warm the oven to 50°C, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.

Step 4: Shaping the sweet bread
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out a rectangular sheet (about 1 cm thick). Using a brush, spread melted butter over the entire surface and evenly sprinkle the sugar mixed with cinnamon.

Step 5: Cutting and arranging
Cut the dough sheet into approximately equal squares (be mindful of the size of your baking pan – the squares should not be larger than its height). Stack the squares on top of each other to form a "fan" and carefully place them in the greased baking pan.

Step 6: Second rising
Let the sweet bread rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a towel. This second rise will help achieve a fluffy texture and generous volume.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the entire surface of the sweet bread with melted butter and sprinkle a little cinnamon. Bake the sweet bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the sweet bread is perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Carefully remove the sweet bread from the pan and let it cool on a cooling rack. This step is important to avoid moisture. When completely cooled, the sweet bread is ready to be sliced. Due to its structure, there’s no need for a knife; you can simply pull apart the slices with your hands.

Tips and tricks:
- For an even more intense flavor and aroma, you can add ground nuts to the filling.
- The sweet bread is perfectly served with aromatic tea or a latte, and an orange marmalade filling can add a note of freshness.
- If you want to make the sweet bread less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough.

Nutritional benefits:
The sweet bread is a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Eggs contribute quality protein, and butter, although high in calories, brings healthy fats. Whole wheat flour can be used to add fiber, making the sweet bread more nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 25 g of fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh longer?
Wrap the sweet bread in aluminum foil or plastic bags to protect it from air. You can also freeze the sweet bread to keep it fresh longer.

3. What other recipes can this sweet bread be paired with?
The fan-shaped cinnamon sweet bread pairs perfectly with homemade cakes, such as fruit cake or apple pie. A glass of milk or a banana-strawberry smoothie makes an ideal combination.

Every time you make this fan-shaped sweet bread, it’s not just a recipe, but an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!