Fluffy cocoa and hazelnut cake

Fluffy Cocoa and Hazelnut Sweet Bread - A Holiday Delight

The holidays are approaching, and the aroma of freshly baked sweet bread fills your home with cherished memories and warmth. Today, I will share my recipe for fluffy cocoa and hazelnut sweet bread, a dessert that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether it's Christmas, Easter, or any other festive occasion, this sweet bread will be the star of the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Total: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 3-4 sweet breads

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 2 kg all-purpose flour (sifted 3 times for lightness)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 L warm milk
- 5 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g oil (sunflower or olive, for a richer taste)
- Zest of one orange
- 2 orange extracts

For the cocoa cream:
- 2 cups of milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 200 g unsalted hazelnuts (crushed for a fine texture)

A Brief History

Sweet bread is a symbol of culinary tradition, associated with holidays and special moments in people's lives. Every family has its own recipe, adapted over generations. Often, the sweet bread recipe is passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, each adding a personal touch. In this recipe, the combination of cocoa and hazelnuts adds a burst of flavor and texture, transforming a classic dessert into a modern delicacy.

Step by Step - Preparing the Sweet Bread

Step 1: Preparing the yeast

1. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well to dissolve.
2. Add 2 cups of warm milk, stirring until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Let the yeast sit for 15-30 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

3. In a large bowl, place the sifted flour. Make a well in the center and pour in the prepared yeast.
4. Let it rise for 30 minutes, covering the bowl with a clean towel.
5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, add the milk and the remaining sugar. Heat the mixture gently, stirring continuously, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
6. Separate the yolks from the whites. Add the yolks to the warm milk and mix well.
7. When the yeast is frothy, add the extracts, orange zest, beaten egg whites, and the milk mixture.

Step 3: Kneading the dough

8. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil. Use oil on your hands whenever necessary to prevent sticking.
9. Knead the dough for about 30 minutes. This process not only develops gluten but will also bring you a sense of relaxation. If you feel it's tiring, put on your favorite music and turn the kneading into a pleasant activity!

Step 4: Rising

10. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. It's important for the room temperature to be warm to help the dough rise.

Step 5: Preparing the cream

11. In a bowl, mix the crushed hazelnuts with sugar, cocoa, and 2 cups of milk. The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly spreadable.

Step 6: Shaping the sweet breads

12. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. Each part is then further divided into 2.
13. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured work surface. Shape it into a rectangle and add the cocoa and hazelnut cream.
14. Carefully roll the dough, forming a cylinder. Repeat this process for all pieces of dough, ensuring to seal them carefully.

Step 7: Baking

15. Place the sweet breads in baking trays lined with parchment paper and greased with oil. Let them rise until they reach the level of the tray (about 30-45 minutes).
16. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
17. Brush the sweet breads with a beaten egg mixed with a little sugar for a golden, shiny crust.
18. Bake the sweet breads for 45 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and leave them for another 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and well baked.

Step 8: Cooling and serving

19. Once the sweet breads are done, let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
20. Slice and serve with fragrant tea or mulled wine for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Tips and Variations

- You can add raisins or dark chocolate for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you enjoy stronger flavors, replace the orange extract with rum extract.
- The sweet bread keeps well for a few days, but if you wish, you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of sweet bread (approximately 100 g) contains about 350-400 calories. Although it is a calorie-rich dessert, the sweet bread also contains beneficial ingredients, such as hazelnuts, which are a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What should I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the room temperature is warm. If it is too cold, the dough will not rise properly.

- Can I replace hazelnuts with other nuts?
Sure! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor.

- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
You can keep it in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container to maintain its moisture.

Now that you have all the details, all that's left is to get to work! Each step of this fluffy cocoa and hazelnut sweet bread recipe is an invitation to connect with tradition and create special moments with your loved ones. I hope you enjoy every bite and remember this sweet bread as an old friend that always brings a smile during the holidays!