Fluffy cozonac with Turkish delight/raisins

Fluffy Sweet Bread with Turkish Delight and Raisins

Sweet bread is a symbol of celebrations, a dessert that combines tradition and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. This recipe for fluffy sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins will take you on a culinary journey filled with flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Whether served at the Christmas table, Easter, or any other special day, this sweet bread will bring warmth and smiles.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours
Baking time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 3 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the starter:
- 800 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons flour

For the dough:
- 1400 g wheat flour
- 6 egg yolks
- 120 g sugar
- 240 g sour cream
- 250 ml palm oil
- Zest of 1 orange

Filling:
- 300 g Turkish delight or raisins for each sweet bread

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 3-4 tablespoons of milk
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top

For the glaze:
- 50 ml water mixed with 1 tablespoon of sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Starter
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk, add the tablespoon of sugar and the 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well, cover the bowl with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30 minutes. The starter should become fluffy and double in volume.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the starter rests, preheat the oven to 180°C. It is important that the oven temperature is appropriate to achieve a fluffy and well-baked sweet bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and increases in volume. Add the sour cream, 100 ml of palm oil, and the orange zest, mixing well. Then incorporate the starter and mix again.

Step 4: Sift the Flour
Sift the flour into the yolk mixture gradually, mixing continuously. In the end, you should have a sticky dough. Wet your hands with the remaining palm oil and begin kneading the dough for 15 minutes. It is essential to continue wetting your hands with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, cover the dough and let it rise for 1.5 - 2 hours in a warm place, away from drafts. The dough should double in volume.

Step 6: Divide the Dough
Once risen, divide the dough into 3 equal parts, then each part into 3 pieces. This will ensure evenly shaped sweet breads.

Step 7: Form the Rolls
Wet your hands with oil and roll out each piece of dough. Add Turkish delight or raisins (if using raisins, make sure to soak them in rum or warm water for 30 minutes and then drain). Rolling the dough is essential; ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Braid the Sweet Breads
After rolling all 3 pieces of dough, braid them carefully and place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Final Rise
Let the sweet breads rise again for 45 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

Step 10: Brush and Bake
After rising, brush the sweet breads with the egg yolk and milk mixture, then sprinkle granulated sugar on top. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool the Sweet Breads
After baking, carefully remove the sweet breads from the tray and transfer them to a wire rack. Brushing them with the water and sugar mixture will give them a delicious glaze, and covering them with a towel will keep them moist and fluffy.

Step 12: Store the Sweet Breads
Once completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap. If not consumed immediately, you can be sure they will remain fluffy even after a week!

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate the fermentation process and achieve a uniform dough.
- Filling: Feel free to experiment with various fillings. In addition to Turkish delight and raisins, you can add nuts, chocolate, or cocoa.
- Forming the Rolls: When rolling the dough, make sure the filling is well distributed and not left on the edges to avoid leaks during baking.
- Glaze: If you desire a shinier appearance, you can add a mixture of water and sugar after the sweet breads have cooled for a glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why didn't my sweet bread rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you left the dough in a warm, draft-free environment.

2. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, but be careful not to affect the final texture of the sweet bread.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread fluffy for longer?
Store it in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature, away from moisture.

Serving Ideas

Fluffy sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins can be served plain alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can slice it and serve it with butter or fruit jam for an even more delightful culinary experience. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a flavored liqueur at the end of a festive meal.

Conclusion

This recipe for fluffy sweet bread with Turkish delight and raisins is not just a simple recipe, but a way to create precious memories with loved ones. Each bite will take you back to family gatherings, celebrations, and unforgettable moments spent together. Don't hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe and share it with those you love!