No-knead sweet bread

No-Knead Sweet Bread: A Fluffy and Aromatic Delicacy

Sweet bread is one of those treats that reminds us of holidays, traditions, and moments spent with loved ones. This no-knead sweet bread recipe combines ease of preparation with a unique aroma, providing you with an exceptional result, perfect for any occasion. What is extraordinary about this recipe is that, due to the preparation method, you will achieve a fluffy and airy dough that melts in your mouth.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads (one medium and one small)

Ingredients:

- For the dough:
- 500-550 g all-purpose flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 125 g sugar (preferably granulated sugar for a finer texture)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 70 g melted butter (use quality butter for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 2 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt (salt helps enhance flavors)

- For the filling:
- 2 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (good quality cocoa will make a difference)
- Rum essence (for an aromatic flavor, use a natural essence)

- For brushing:
- 1 egg (to achieve a golden and appetizing crust)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast:
In a large bowl, pour the flour and make a well in the center. Add 50 ml of lukewarm milk, the yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Gently mix to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes. It is essential to activate the yeast correctly; if you do not see bubbles after 10 minutes, the yeast may be inactive.

2. Preparing the dough:
After the yeast has activated, in the remaining milk (250 ml), add the melted butter and the rest of the sugar. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour this mixture over the activated yeast and add the oil, egg yolks, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until the dough becomes homogeneous. It is normal for the dough to be slightly sticky; if it seems too sticky, gradually add flour, but do not overdo it.

3. First rising:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until it is completely dissolved. In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with cocoa and add them to the egg white foam. Add the rum essence and gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to lose volume.

5. Shaping the sweet breads:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface and divide it into two. Roll each piece into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. On each sheet, evenly spread the prepared filling.

6. Rolling and second rising:
Roll each sheet of dough with filling, forming a log. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and place the sweet breads in them. Let them rise for another 25-30 minutes.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet breads with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful, golden crust. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and pass the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center of the sweet bread; if it comes out clean, they are done).

8. Cooling:
Once the sweet breads are baked, remove them from the oven and cover them with a clean towel. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. It’s hard to resist the temptation to taste them immediately!

Practical Tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality flour and fresh butter to achieve a sweet bread with a fine texture and rich taste.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure the milk is just lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Oil: You can experiment with other types of oil, such as olive oil, for a different flavor.
- Varied fillings: If you want to vary the filling, you can add raisins, chocolate, or even candied fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why didn’t my sweet bread rise?
Check if the yeast is active and that you let the dough rise in a warm environment.

- How do I keep the sweet bread fresh?
Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. It can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Delicious Combinations:

The sweet bread pairs perfectly with a cup of warm milk or aromatic coffee. It is also delicious alongside fruit jam or cream cheese, adding extra flavor.

This no-knead sweet bread is truly a recipe worth trying! It will surprise you not only with its simplicity but also with its wonderful taste, bringing a touch of tradition and warmth into your home. Don’t miss the chance to prepare it for your loved ones and enjoy it together, savoring every fluffy and aromatic slice!