Easter Bread

Easter Sweet Bread - A Traditional Delicacy with a Homely Aroma

The Easter sweet bread is an iconic recipe that evokes memories of moments spent with loved ones. It is a symbol of the holiday, a dessert that combines tradition with the goodness of taste. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a fluffy and aromatic sweet bread that will surely delight your Easter table. With a unique combination of ingredients, our sweet bread will undoubtedly become the star of the celebration.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 large sweet breads or 3 large and 3 small sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3.5 kg high-quality flour (ideal for sweet bread)
- 1.5 kg sugar (for a sweet bread, but you can adjust to taste)
- 600 g butter (3 packs)
- 300 ml palm oil + 5 tablespoons (for extra fluffiness)
- 1.2 kg Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- 18 eggs (at room temperature for better integration)
- 4 cubes of 50 g fresh yeast
- 5 tablespoons milk (to activate the yeast)
- a pinch of salt
- zest of one lemon
- rum essence
- vanilla
- zest of one orange

For the filling:
- Nutella, Turkish delight, raisins, ground walnuts, candied fruits (choose your favorite filling or combine several)

For brushing:
- 6 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons milk
- vanilla essence

Step by Step Preparation

1. Initial Preparations
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it. Make sure all ingredients are taken out of the refrigerator in advance so that they reach room temperature. This step is essential for even rising of the dough.

2. Activating the Yeast
Prepare the yeast starter with yeast, one tablespoon of sugar, and 5 tablespoons of warm milk. Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes until a light foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

3. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil, and the activated yeast. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until well combined. Finally, incorporate the melted butter (but not hot) and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. First Rising
Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 3 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the Sweet Breads
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into 6 portions. From each portion, shape a rectangle with a rolling pin. Fill each sheet with the chosen filling (Nutella, walnuts, raisins, etc.), then roll tightly to form the sweet bread.

6. Placing in Baking Trays
Place each sweet bread in trays lined with parchment paper. It’s time to let the sweet breads rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they reach the edge of the tray.

7. Brushing and Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks with the milk and vanilla essence. Brush the sweet breads with this mixture to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake the sweet breads for 45-50 minutes, but check them after 40 minutes; if they brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

8. Cooling
After baking, let the sweet breads cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. It is important not to cut them when they are hot, as this can affect the texture.

Serving Suggestions
The sweet bread is served plain or alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. It can also be enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam, if you want to add a touch of extra flavor. Additionally, it is delicious with a glass of sweet wine.

Tips and Variations
If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar. An interesting variation is to add dark chocolate to the filling for a delicious contrast. You can also experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a more exotic taste.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of sweet bread (approximately 100 g) contains around 380 calories, being rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It is a good source of energy, but like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to use fresh yeast?
Fresh yeast provides a more intense flavor and better texture than the dry alternative. It is essential for optimal rising of the dough.

2. Can I use other types of flour?
Wheat flour is the most recommended, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier sweet bread. It will be denser but delicious.

3. How can I tell if the sweet bread is baked?
The sweet bread is baked when it is golden on the surface and, if you tap the bottom lightly, it should sound hollow. You can also check with a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 90°C.

The Easter sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a cooking experience filled with love and tradition. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your taste, turning it into a family tradition. Enjoy every slice and celebrate the holiday!