Cocoa, walnut, and hazelnut cake

Cocoa, Walnut, and Hazelnut Sweet Bread

Cocoa, walnut, and hazelnut sweet bread is a treasure of culinary tradition, a symbol of joy and celebration. This sweet bread recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, transforming them into a delicious and hearty dessert, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this sweet bread will delight you with its fluffy texture and rich filling.

Preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients for 1 large sweet bread:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 200 ml warm water
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- Flour, as needed (approximately 800 g, but variable depending on humidity)
- Oil (for kneading and greasing)

For the filling:
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- Roasted walnut kernels (approximately 100 g)
- Roasted and ground hazelnuts (approximately 50 g)
- Orange peel preserved in sugar (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Grated lemon peel

For greasing:
- 1 egg (beaten)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with about 100 g of flour. Add the warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure excellent rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the eggs, warm milk, salt, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the activated yeast mixture and gradually start incorporating the flour, mixing continuously. Use a spatula to avoid lumps.

3. Kneading: When the dough becomes denser, add the oil (3 tablespoons) and continue kneading. The oil helps achieve a fine and elastic texture. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. A useful technique is to lightly oil your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.

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

5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the sugar, cocoa, orange peel, and lemon peel. Add the cubed Turkish delight, roasted walnut kernels, and ground hazelnuts. This mixture will give the sweet bread a special aroma and pleasant texture.

6. Shaping the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, grease the work surface with oil and turn the dough out onto the surface. Flatten it with your hands into a thick sheet (about 1 cm). Divide the sheet into three equal parts. Evenly sprinkle the filling mixture over each part.

7. Rolling and braiding: Roll each part of the dough into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside. After rolling all three logs, braid them carefully. This step adds not only an aesthetic appeal but also an even distribution of filling in the sweet bread.

8. Second rising: Place the braided sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again, this time for about 15 minutes, covered with a towel. This second rising will make the sweet bread even fluffier.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Brush the sweet bread with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the sweet bread for 50 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cooling: Once the sweet bread is baked, remove it from the oven and cover it with a kitchen towel. This will keep the sweet bread moist and prevent the crust from becoming too hard. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate good rising.
- You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as raisins or chocolate, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- If you like a more aromatic sweet bread, you can add a splash of vanilla essence to the dough or filling.

Nutritional values:
A slice of sweet bread (approximately 80 g) contains about 250 calories, having a rich content of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the nuts and hazelnuts. This dessert is a good source of energy, but, as with any food, moderation is key.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use about 20 g of fresh yeast, activating it in the same way.
- How can I store the sweet bread? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Freezing is also an excellent option.
- What drinks pair well with sweet bread? A sweet wine or flavored tea are excellent choices to complement the delight of sweet bread.

Enjoy every slice of this cocoa, walnut, and hazelnut sweet bread, sharing it with your loved ones. Each bite will bring a note of warmth and joy, reminding you of moments filled with love and tradition. Enjoy your meal!