Cinnamon slices cake

Cinnamon Sweet Bread - An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Cinnamon sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a true tradition, a symbol of celebrations and family gatherings. Its inviting aroma of cinnamon and lemon takes us back to warm moments spent with loved ones. Get ready to delight your taste buds with each fluffy and fragrant slice!

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffier texture)
- 150 g sugar (white sugar is ideal, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer taste)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 250 ml milk (warm, not hot)
- 30 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, but not flavored oil)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 vial of rum essence (for an unmistakable flavor)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel (freshly grated for a vibrant taste)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel (same principle as with orange)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (optional but recommended)

For the filling:
- 60 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (use high-quality cinnamon)
- 100 g sugar (to sweeten the filling)

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast:
In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add a teaspoon of sugar. This will help activate the yeast. Add about 100 g of flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into the well and add 50 ml of warm milk, mixing gently until you obtain a soft paste. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the remaining flour. Place the risen yeast mixture in the center of the flour. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pour them over the flour. Add the sugar, rum essence, grated orange and lemon peels. Start mixing the ingredients and gradually pour in the remaining warm milk. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth, about 5-10 minutes.

3. Adding the oil:
Add the oil and continue kneading the dough for another 10 minutes. When the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, melt the butter and let it cool. Mix the ground cinnamon with sugar in a small bowl.

5. Shaping the sweet bread:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out into a rectangle of about 40 cm by 50 cm and 1 cm thick. Brush the dough sheet with the melted and cooled butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Cut the dough into squares of 8-10 cm.

6. Arranging in the tray:
Layer the squares of dough and place them in a greased and lined baking tray. Cover the tray with a towel and let the sweet bread rise for 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

7. Baking:
Once the dough has risen, place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the sweet bread for about 50 minutes, or until golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the sweet bread - if it comes out clean, it’s done).

8. Cooling:
Once the sweet bread is baked, remove it from the oven and cover it with a clean towel to retain moisture. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Serving suggestions:
You can enjoy the sweet bread with a glass of warm milk, tea, or coffee. It is also delicious with fruit jam or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add ground nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling. Also, for a chocolate note, add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the dough before baking.

Nutritional benefits:
Cinnamon sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Generally, the amount is reduced by half (12-13 g of dry yeast, equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast).

2. What can I do if the sweet bread doesn’t rise enough?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you let the dough rise in a warm place. If it’s too cold, the dough will rise more slowly.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread longer?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. It can be frozen, but it’s best fresh.

Cinnamon sweet bread is more than a dessert - it’s an experience, a moment of joy, and a sweet memory. Prepare this simple recipe, and you’ll create not just a treat but also unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy and have wonderful moments in the kitchen!