No-Knead Sweet Bread - My Recipe No. 100

No-Knead Sweet Bread - My Recipe No. 100

Sweet bread is one of the most beloved culinary traditions, a symbol of holidays and family gatherings. This no-knead sweet bread recipe was discovered with great enthusiasm, and thanks to the modifications I made, the result is simply delicious. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, our sweet bread promises a rich taste and a fluffy texture, without the stress of kneading.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 35-40 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the sweet bread dough:
- 2-3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 10 g dry yeast
- 125 g sugar
- 200 ml milk (warm)
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 500-550 g flour (sifted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lemon essence
- Orange and/or lemon zest (optional)

For the sweet bread filling:
- 100 g ground nuts
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg white (whipped)
- Rum essence
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 50 g raisins (soaked)
- 200 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes)

Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough: In a deep bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center and add the starter made from the mixture of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk. Let it rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts (you can use an oven preheated to 40-50 degrees or cover the bowl with a blanket).

2. Mixing the Ingredients: After the starter has risen, add the eggs, the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, lemon essence, and milk. Mix with a spoon until you obtain an elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise again in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30-40 minutes).

3. Preparing the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Soak the raisins in warm water with a few drops of rum essence for 30 minutes, then drain them well. Mix the ground nuts with sugar, cocoa, and the whipped egg white, then add the hot milk and mix until homogeneous.

4. Shaping the Sweet Bread: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle about 0.5 cm thick. Place the filling on each sheet, add the raisins and chopped Turkish delight. Roll each sheet lengthwise to form rolls.

5. Braiding the Rolls: Braid two rolls together to form a sweet bread. Place the sweet bread in a baking pan lined with parchment paper and greased with a little butter. Let it rise in the pan for 15-20 minutes.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the sweet bread for about 40 minutes, or until golden and nicely browned, but do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes.

7. Finishing: After the sweet bread is baked, let it cool for 5 minutes, then brush it with a mixture of egg yolk and milk. Sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness and shine. Let it cool completely on a rack before slicing. It is recommended to wait until the next day to cut it so that the flavors blend perfectly.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Temperature: It is essential that all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps activate the yeast and achieve a fluffier dough.
- Spices and Flavors: You can experiment with different flavors by adding orange zest or vanilla for a different taste.
- No-Filling Variation: If you prefer a simple sweet bread, just roll the dough without filling, forming a large and thick roll.
- Alternative Fillings: The sweet bread can also be filled with walnuts or poppy seeds, providing a variety of options for different family tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why shouldn't I open the oven door in the first 20 minutes?: Opening the door can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which can affect the rising of the dough.
- How do I know when the sweet bread is done?: The sweet bread is done when it turns golden on top and, if you tap it lightly on the bottom, it should sound hollow.
- How do I keep the sweet bread fresh?: Store the sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from drying out.

Delicious Combinations

The sweet bread pairs perfectly with a cup of milk, tea, or coffee, making it an excellent companion for breakfast or a sweet snack. It can also be served with fruit jams or cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Conclusion

This no-knead sweet bread recipe is not only a quick and simple choice but also a wonderful way to bring the family together around the table. With a rich taste and a fluffy texture, it is perfect for any occasion. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones to spread the joy and delicious flavors of sweet bread! Enjoy!