Easter bread with sweet dough

Easter Bread with Sweet Dough - A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

At every holiday, Easter bread becomes the center of attention, a symbol of tradition, family, and the joy of sharing special moments. This Easter bread recipe with sweet dough is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will remind you of the lavish meals of your childhood. It is a slightly more elaborate recipe, but every step is worth the effort, and the result will be a delight you won't forget easily.

Ingredients

For the starter:
- 600 ml warm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the dough:
- Prepared starter
- 1100 g wheat flour
- 120 g granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream or full-fat yogurt
- 150 ml palm oil
- Zest of one orange

For the filling:
- 1450 g fresh cow cheese
- 350 g full-fat yogurt
- 4 eggs
- 50 g semolina
- 100 g flour
- 120 g sugar
- 200 g golden raisins
- 100 g brown raisins
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 3 tablespoons of milk

Preparation

1. Preparing the starter: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, fresh yeast, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes until the starter becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: After the starter has risen, in another bowl, add the flour, sugar, egg yolks, sour cream (or yogurt), palm oil, and orange zest. Add the starter and begin kneading the dough. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: In a blender or with a hand mixer, mix the fresh cow cheese, yogurt, eggs, semolina, flour, sugar, and rum essence. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated and the filling has a smooth consistency. Add the drained raisins and gently fold in with a spatula.

5. Shaping the Easter bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. Each part is then divided into two. Take one of the two pieces and roll it out into a disc, then transfer it into a 24 cm baking pan lined with parchment paper.

6. Braiding the dough: Take the second piece of dough and cut it into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece and cut it again into 3, resulting in 9 thin strips. Braid them and arrange them around the disc of dough in the pan. At the joins, add a piece of braided dough for a decorative effect.

7. Adding the filling: Place a few tablespoons of filling in the center of the Easter bread. Leave some space as the filling will rise during baking. On top, form a cross with the dough.

8. Final rising: Let the Easter bread rise for 20 minutes. Cover it with a clean towel to prevent drying out.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Brush the Easter bread with a mixture of egg yolk and milk, then place the pan in the oven. Bake the Easter bread for about 60 minutes or until golden and baked through. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is baked.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the Easter bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. It is delicious both warm and cold!

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- You can replace palm oil with sunflower oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- If you like, you can also add chocolate or nuts to the filling for extra flavor.

Nutritional notes and calories:
One serving of Easter bread contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good choice for a dessert during the holidays, offering a balanced dose of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Easter bread with a fruit tea or fresh lemonade to contrast the sweetness.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a caramel or chocolate sauce on top.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.
- How can I store the Easter bread? It keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a touch of magic to your festive meals. So take your time, get involved in every step, and enjoy this traditional delicacy!