Grandma's sweet bread – a delight that brings back family memories, the warm scent of the oven, and the joy of holidays. This sweet bread recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Let's embark on the preparation of this traditional dessert, which will enrich any festive meal.
Total preparation time: 3 hours (1 hour for rising + 1 hour for baking + 1 hour for preparation)
Number of servings: 12-14 servings
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg white flour (choose a good quality flour to achieve a fluffy dough)
- 50 g fresh yeast (about 2 cubes)
- 300 ml milk (preferably at room temperature, but not hot)
- 3 large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
- 200 ml sunflower oil (for a light and fluffy texture)
- 250 g sugar (adjustable according to personal preferences)
- Grated zest of one lemon (adds a fresh flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or vanilla extract for a more intense taste)
- Optional: Turkish delight, nuts, cocoa, raisins (to customize the sweet bread according to your preferences)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden and shiny crust)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to sprinkle on top (for an extra touch of sweetness)
Step by step for a perfect sweet bread:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the eggs and milk out of the fridge at least an hour before starting the recipe, to warm them to room temperature. This step is essential as it helps activate the yeast and ensures even rising.
2. Sifting the flour: Sift the flour into a basin or a large bowl. This process helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps in the dough.
3. Activating the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water (not hot) and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to foam. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
4. Heating the ingredients: In a saucepan, add the eggs and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture reaches a warm temperature (similar to baby milk). Then, gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour.
5. Mixing the ingredients: After adding the yeast, add the warm milk and continue mixing. Slowly add the oil while constantly stirring. Add the lemon zest and vanilla. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
6. Rising the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining fluffy sweet breads.
7. Shaping the sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to remove air bubbles. Grease your hands with oil to prevent sticking. Tear off suitable portions of dough for the sweet breads. You can leave them plain or add fillings such as Turkish delight, nuts, raisins, or cocoa.
8. Placing in trays: Grease the trays with oil and place the sweet breads in them. Let them rise for another hour, covered with a towel.
9. Brushing and baking: Beat the egg and, using a kitchen brush, glaze the tops of the sweet breads. Sprinkle sugar for a crispy finish. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the sweet breads for 50-60 minutes or until golden. Check if they are well baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean.
10. Cooling: Let the sweet breads cool in the trays for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Here, the aroma will intensify and the texture will be perfect.
Useful tips and variations:
- Various fillings: Experiment with different fillings! Ground nuts with sugar and cocoa is a classic combination, but you can also try a chocolate or poppy seed filling. Raisins add a sweet note, while Turkish delight offers an interesting texture.
- Sweet breads with flavors: Add cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an exotic aroma. These spices combine perfectly with lemon zest and vanilla.
- Serving: Sweet breads are wonderful served with a glass of warm milk, tea, or coffee. Offer them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert.
Nutritional benefits:
Sweet breads are a good source of carbohydrates, and the use of eggs adds protein. White flour provides quick energy, while nut or cocoa fillings can add healthy fats and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using about 20 g.
2. How can I store the sweet breads? Sweet breads store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.
3. Why is it important to grease the trays with oil? This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
This grandma's sweet bread is not just a recipe, but a tradition full of love and memories. Whether you prepare it for holidays or simply to share beautiful moments, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the warmth and aroma that fills the house!
Total preparation time: 3 hours (1 hour for rising + 1 hour for baking + 1 hour for preparation)
Number of servings: 12-14 servings
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg white flour (choose a good quality flour to achieve a fluffy dough)
- 50 g fresh yeast (about 2 cubes)
- 300 ml milk (preferably at room temperature, but not hot)
- 3 large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
- 200 ml sunflower oil (for a light and fluffy texture)
- 250 g sugar (adjustable according to personal preferences)
- Grated zest of one lemon (adds a fresh flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or vanilla extract for a more intense taste)
- Optional: Turkish delight, nuts, cocoa, raisins (to customize the sweet bread according to your preferences)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden and shiny crust)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to sprinkle on top (for an extra touch of sweetness)
Step by step for a perfect sweet bread:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the eggs and milk out of the fridge at least an hour before starting the recipe, to warm them to room temperature. This step is essential as it helps activate the yeast and ensures even rising.
2. Sifting the flour: Sift the flour into a basin or a large bowl. This process helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps in the dough.
3. Activating the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water (not hot) and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to foam. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
4. Heating the ingredients: In a saucepan, add the eggs and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture reaches a warm temperature (similar to baby milk). Then, gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour.
5. Mixing the ingredients: After adding the yeast, add the warm milk and continue mixing. Slowly add the oil while constantly stirring. Add the lemon zest and vanilla. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
6. Rising the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining fluffy sweet breads.
7. Shaping the sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to remove air bubbles. Grease your hands with oil to prevent sticking. Tear off suitable portions of dough for the sweet breads. You can leave them plain or add fillings such as Turkish delight, nuts, raisins, or cocoa.
8. Placing in trays: Grease the trays with oil and place the sweet breads in them. Let them rise for another hour, covered with a towel.
9. Brushing and baking: Beat the egg and, using a kitchen brush, glaze the tops of the sweet breads. Sprinkle sugar for a crispy finish. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the sweet breads for 50-60 minutes or until golden. Check if they are well baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean.
10. Cooling: Let the sweet breads cool in the trays for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Here, the aroma will intensify and the texture will be perfect.
Useful tips and variations:
- Various fillings: Experiment with different fillings! Ground nuts with sugar and cocoa is a classic combination, but you can also try a chocolate or poppy seed filling. Raisins add a sweet note, while Turkish delight offers an interesting texture.
- Sweet breads with flavors: Add cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an exotic aroma. These spices combine perfectly with lemon zest and vanilla.
- Serving: Sweet breads are wonderful served with a glass of warm milk, tea, or coffee. Offer them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert.
Nutritional benefits:
Sweet breads are a good source of carbohydrates, and the use of eggs adds protein. White flour provides quick energy, while nut or cocoa fillings can add healthy fats and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using about 20 g.
2. How can I store the sweet breads? Sweet breads store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.
3. Why is it important to grease the trays with oil? This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
This grandma's sweet bread is not just a recipe, but a tradition full of love and memories. Whether you prepare it for holidays or simply to share beautiful moments, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the warmth and aroma that fills the house!
Ingredients
1 kg white flour, 2 cubes of yeast (50 grams), 300 ml milk, 3 eggs, 200 ml sunflower oil, 250 grams sugar, Lemon zest, Vanilla, Turkish delight, nuts, cocoa, raisins for those who do not want a simple cake, 1 egg and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar for brushing.