No-knead sweet bread

No-knead sweet bread - A quick and easy delicacy

Sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition, a childhood memory, and a symbol of celebrations. This no-knead sweet bread recipe was inspired by a talented housewife, Miha, and is perfect for those who lack the courage to venture into the mysteries of kneading dough. With a quick preparation time and spectacular results, this recipe is sure to become your family's favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3 small eggs
- 10 g dry yeast
- 125 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 60 g butter
- 550 g flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Lemon essence (optional)
- Orange zest (optional)

For the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts (or broken into small pieces)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg white
- Lemon and rum essence (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk

For brushing:
- 1 beaten egg white
- Granulated sugar (optional: 1 yolk + 2 tablespoons milk for a richer crust)

Preparation steps

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the dry yeast along with a tablespoon of sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk. Cover the well with flour and let it rise for 10 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
Once the yeast starts to bubble, add the eggs (2 whole and 1 yolk), the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, lemon essence, and milk. Mix everything with a wooden spoon until you get an elastic dough. Don't worry if the dough is sticky; this is a characteristic of no-knead sweet bread.

Step 3: Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground (or broken) walnuts, sugar, cocoa, and beaten egg white. Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture. You can also add rum essence for extra flavor, but this is optional.

Step 5: Shaping the sweet breads
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Spread the walnut filling over each sheet, then roll them up lengthwise to form a cylinder. Braid two rolls together to make a sweet bread.

Step 6: Placing in the pan
Place the sweet breads in baking trays lined with parchment paper and greased with a little butter. Let them rise in the tray for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C). Bake the sweet breads for 40 minutes or until they are golden and browned on top.

Step 8: Finishing
Once removed from the oven, let the sweet breads cool for 5 minutes. Brush them with beaten egg white and sprinkle sugar on top for a shiny appearance.

Step 9: Serving
Wait for them to cool completely before slicing. They can be served plain or with a cup of warm milk, and are ideal to enjoy in the company of loved ones.

Practical tips

1. Choose ingredients carefully: Use fresh nuts and quality cocoa for a rich and delicious taste.
2. Avoid drafts: Ensure that the dough rises in a warm place, away from drafts, to achieve a fluffy texture.
3. Vary the filling: You can experiment with different fillings, such as poppy seeds or fruit jam, if you want a different version of the recipe.
4. Monitor the baking: Every oven bakes differently, so it’s good to check the sweet breads a few minutes before the estimated time to avoid burning.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet bread is a source of carbohydrates, and nuts add protein and healthy fats. Additionally, cocoa contains antioxidants that are beneficial for health. When consumed in moderation, sweet bread can be part of a balanced diet, especially during festive days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Replace 10 g of dry yeast with 25 g of fresh yeast.

What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that the dough was left in a warm place. Also, check the expiration date of the yeast.

How can I store sweet bread?
Sweet bread can be stored wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze it to keep it longer.

Conclusion

No-knead sweet breads are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a traditional delicacy without spending hours in the kitchen. With this simple and quick recipe, you can bring the aroma of celebrations into your home without any worries. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a pleasant cooking experience! Enjoy your meal!