Cocoa cream cake

Cocoa Cream Sweet Bread – a delicious recipe that brings joy to every corner of the home

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Sweet bread is a traditional dish, rich in flavor and history, that is part of holidays and family gatherings. This cocoa cream sweet bread recipe is perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones, especially since it is also adapted for those who need to watch their sugar intake. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of warm tea or a glass of milk, this sweet bread will fill your heart with joy.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (you can add more if you prefer a sweeter bread)
- ½ cube of fresh yeast

Ingredients for the filling:
- ½ pack of butter (about 125 g), softened
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar
- Vanilla essence

Ingredients for decoration:
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling)

Step by step: how to prepare cocoa cream sweet bread

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the fresh yeast to the lukewarm milk and gently stir until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy – this is an essential step to achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, egg yolks, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla essence until you obtain a smooth cream. This will be the filling that adds a special flavor to the sweet bread.

6. Shaping the sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle on a floured work surface. Spread the cocoa cream evenly over each sheet of dough.

7. Rolling the dough: Roll each sheet of dough tightly to form a log. Then, place the logs in greased and floured sweet bread pans.

8. Second rise: Let the sweet breads rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel. This step will make the sweet bread fluffier.

9. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C. Brush the sweet breads with beaten egg for a beautifully golden crust and sprinkle brown sugar on top.

10. Baking: Bake the sweet breads in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden and pass the toothpick test (if it comes out clean, the sweet bread is done).

11. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the sweet breads cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid moisture inside.

Useful tips:
- If you want a sweeter bread, feel free to add more sugar to the filling or dough.
- You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon or ground nuts to the filling.
- For a healthier sweet bread, replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- The sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature but can also be frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits: This cocoa cream sweet bread brings not only flavor but also nutrients. The flour contains carbohydrates, essential for energy, and cocoa provides antioxidants and important minerals. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Serving suggestions: This sweet bread is delicious served plain, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. You can enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea for a complete culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute it, but use about 7 g of dry yeast.
- How can I prevent the dough from being too sticky? Make sure to use quality flour and knead the dough well to develop the gluten.

Possible variations: Depending on your preferences, you can try different fillings, such as fruit jam, nuts, or chocolate. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or apricots for an interesting flavor and crunchy texture.

In conclusion, cocoa cream sweet bread is a wonderful dessert, easy to prepare, and full of flavor. Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your family. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy every slice!