Easter Cake 2016

Easter Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delicacy

The sweet bread is a symbol of the holidays, a dessert that brings the family together around the Easter table. This sweet bread recipe is highly appreciated, and its inviting aroma of vanilla and rum will transport you directly into the holiday spirit. Whether you enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, or left to cool to savor with a cup of milk, each slice is a joy. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 50 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 3 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients:

- 1.1 kg Titan flour for sweet bread
- 7 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
- 300 g sugar
- 250 g Rama Maestro margarine
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 400-450 ml lukewarm milk
- 2 bottles of rum essence
- 2 bottles of vanilla essence
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 300 g raisins

For the filling:
- 3 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 50 g cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 300 g diced Turkish delight

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of milk

For decoration:
- poppy seeds
- granulated sugar
- walnut kernels

Step by Step for a Perfect Sweet Bread:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
The night before, take all ingredients out of the fridge to reach room temperature. This helps activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Activating the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

3. Preparing the Starter:
In another bowl, scald 3 tablespoons of flour with boiling milk. Mix well and let it cool slightly. Add the activated yeast and mix until homogeneous. Sprinkle a little flour on top and let it rise for 30 minutes.

4. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks with salt and sugar until creamy. In a pan, melt the margarine and add the oil. Let it cool.

5. Kneading the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the risen starter. Add the egg yolk mixture and lukewarm milk. Knead the dough for 30 minutes until it becomes elastic. Then, add the oil and melted margarine, essences, and raisins. Continue kneading for another 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.

6. Preparing the Filling:
In a bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Add the ground walnuts, cocoa, and milk. Mix well until homogeneous.

7. Shaping the Sweet Breads:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 2-3 parts, depending on the desired size of the sweet breads. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface, spread with the walnut and cocoa filling, add the diced Turkish delight, then carefully roll the dough to form the sweet bread. Place it in forms lined with baking paper.

8. Final Rising:
Let the sweet breads rise in the forms for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Brushing and Decorating:
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with milk and brush the surface of the sweet breads. Sprinkle poppy seeds, granulated sugar, and walnut kernels on top for a crispy appearance and delicious aroma.

10. Baking:
Bake the sweet breads at a moderate temperature for about 1 hour. Check if they are baked by using a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the sweet breads are ready.

11. Cooling:
Remove the sweet breads from the forms and let them cool by wrapping them in a kitchen towel. If you can’t wait, don’t hesitate to cut a slice from the smaller sweet bread to satisfy your craving.

Serving Suggestions:
The sweet bread is served warm, alongside a glass of warm milk or a cup of fragrant tea. You can try pairing it with berry jam or vanilla sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Tips and Variations:
- You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries.
- If you are a chocolate lover, add chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent version.
- For a less sweet sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 17 g (1 packet). Activation is done in a similar way.

2. How can I tell when the sweet breads are done?
The toothpick test is the most effective. If the toothpick comes out clean, the sweet breads are baked.

3. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you’ve left the dough in a warm place. You can try wrapping it with a blanket to maintain warmth.

Nutritional Benefits:
Homemade sweet bread contains natural ingredients, without preservatives or additives. It is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs, while nuts and raisins add fiber and vitamins.

This Easter sweet bread recipe is not just a tradition but also a way to bring joy and warmth into our homes. Each slice is a taste of memories and love passed down through generations. With a dash of patience and a bit of enthusiasm, you will achieve a perfect sweet bread that will impress anyone who sits at your table. Happy cooking!