Fruitcake

Fluffy Sweet Bread with Dried Fruits: A Holiday Delight

When it comes to holidays, sweet bread is a symbol of tradition and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. This recipe for fluffy sweet bread with dried fruits is perfect for placing on the Christmas table, offering not only a unique taste but also a wonderful texture. Made with freshly milled wheat flour, this sweet bread has all the attributes of a dessert that combines the taste of home with the flavors of the holidays.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 250 ml milk
- 1 whole egg + 2 yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g butter
- 50 ml oil
- 200 g dried fruits (raisins, goji, pineapple, candied orange peel)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- A pinch of salt
- For brushing: 1 egg

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast with 4-5 tablespoons of warm milk, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of flour. Mix well and let it rise for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the milk: Meanwhile, put the remaining milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. Combining the wet ingredients: In a bowl, beat the whole egg and the two yolks with a fork. Add them to the cooled milk along with the rum essence. Then, melt the butter and oil, being careful not to boil them. Let them cool slightly before adding them to the milk mixture.

4. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, the milk and egg mixture, half of the melted butter and oil, and the lemon zest. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.

5. Kneading the dough: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for about 45 minutes. Gradually add the remaining oil and butter, ensuring that the dough becomes smooth and non-sticky. This is a wonderful activity that will give you a sense of fulfillment.

6. Adding the dried fruits: Flatten the dough with your hands and sprinkle the dried fruits on top. Fold the dough and knead slightly to evenly distribute the fruits. They not only add a delicious taste but also a vibrant color to the sweet bread.

7. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl covered with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about one hour).

8. Shaping the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and knead it slightly. Divide the dough into two and shape them into rolls. Braid the two pieces by twisting them together, creating a rustic and attractive look.

9. Placing in the pan: Place the braided dough in a greased bundt pan and let it rise for 30 minutes. This step will ensure an airy texture.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the sweet bread with beaten egg for a golden and crispy crust. Bake the sweet bread for 45-50 minutes, until golden and passes the toothpick test.

11. Cooling: After baking, let the sweet bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain the fluffy texture.

Serving suggestions: Serve the fluffy sweet bread with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. It can be enjoyed plain or with a fresh butter spread on top. It is also delicious alongside fruit jam or cream cheese.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of dried fruits, such as candied cherries or nuts. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips:

- Make sure the milk is not too hot when adding it to the yeast mixture, otherwise the yeast will die and the dough will not rise.
- Use high-quality flour for the best results.
- If you have more time, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This will intensify the flavors and improve the texture.
- The sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap for a few days, but it can also be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 320
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 6 g

The fluffy sweet bread with dried fruits is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true family tradition that brings together the flavors of childhood and the aromas of the holidays. So, get to work and enjoy this delicious recipe! You will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and feel the warmth of the Christmas atmosphere in every slice. Happy cooking!