Mini cakes

Fluffy Mini Sweet Breads: An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked sweet bread? These mini sweet breads are the perfect way to enjoy the tradition of sweet bread in a smaller, more manageable form. Whether you're craving a sweet snack, a special breakfast, or a dessert for a special occasion, these mini sweet breads are the ideal choice. Plus, you can fill them with your favorite chocolate cream or turn them into delicious French toast for a flavorful breakfast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 16 mini sweet breads

Ingredients

- 650 g flour (spelt or white)
- 100 g melted butter
- 150 g brown sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- 1 tablespoon oil for greasing hands
- A pinch of salt

A Brief Story

Sweet bread is one of the most beloved holiday treats, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Mini sweet breads are a modern reinterpretation of this classic dessert, bringing joy in every bite. They can be easily adapted and customized to suit your preferences, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

Step by Step

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is crucial to avoid lumps and ensure a fine, fluffy texture for the dough.

2. Adding the dry ingredients: Add the brown sugar, salt, and dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly combined.

3. Adding the flavors: Incorporate the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and orange blossom extract. These flavors will enhance the sweetness of the mini breads and make them even more appealing.

4. The wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the lukewarm milk and melted butter. Make sure the milk isn't too hot, as it could affect the yeast.

5. Kneading the dough: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. It's a great exercise that will help you relax!

6. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes. The dough should double in size.

7. Shaping the mini sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, grease your hands with a bit of oil and take a piece of dough the size of a ping-pong ball. Shape each piece into a ball and place it in greased silicone molds.

8. Second rise: Let the mini sweet breads rise for another 15 minutes, covered with a towel.

9. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat an egg yolk and brush the surface of each mini sweet bread for a golden and appetizing crust.

10. Baking: Place the molds in the oven and bake the mini sweet breads for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and fluffy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Serving

Mini sweet breads can be enjoyed warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can fill them with chocolate cream, fruit jam, or serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar. A delicious idea is to turn them into French toast for a hearty breakfast: dip the mini sweet breads in beaten egg and milk, then fry them in a pan with butter until golden and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to add more milk to achieve a good texture.

2. How can I store the mini sweet breads? You can keep them in an airtight container for a few days. Additionally, you can freeze them to enjoy later.

3. What other fillings can I use? Instead of chocolate cream, you can try ground nuts, Turkish delight, raisins, or anything else you like.

Nutritional Benefits

These mini sweet breads are a good source of carbohydrates, and brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, making it more nutritious than white sugar. Butter provides healthy fats, while eggs contribute protein. Enjoying them in moderation allows you to indulge in a delicious dessert without compromising your diet.

Possible Variations

- Chocolate mini sweet breads: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent flavor.
- Fruit mini sweet breads: Incorporate pieces of apples or pears for a fresh twist.
- Flavored mini sweet breads: Experiment with different flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Regardless of the variation you choose, these mini sweet breads are a perfect way to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and the result will surely match your effort!