Nut and chocolate cake

Nut and Chocolate Sweet Bread – A Holiday Delicacy

The sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition, a story passed down from generation to generation. With a fluffy yeast dough and a rich filling of nuts and cocoa, this nut and chocolate sweet bread will surely become the star of your holiday table. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of warm milk or a fragrant cup of coffee, each slice will bring you joy and nostalgia. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients for the dough (for 2 sweet breads):
- 1 kg flour (make sure it is good quality for a perfect dough)
- 4 egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 500 ml milk (always use warm milk)
- 200 ml oil or 200 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 50 g fresh yeast (ideal for a fluffy dough)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- Grated zest of one lemon (fresh and fragrant)

Ingredients for the cream:
- 4 egg whites (beaten to stiff peaks)
- 200 g ground nuts (freshly ground for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (high quality)
- 1 cup sugar (to add sweetness)

Preparing the dough

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as it aerates the flour, contributing to the fluffy texture of the dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and a little warm milk. Cover the bowl and let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast.

3. Preparing the yolks: Separate the yolks from the whites, adding a pinch of salt to them. Let them sit for 10 minutes to achieve a deep yellow color. Then, add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest, beating the mixture until it becomes creamy and light in color.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the yolk mixture and the sifted flour. Start kneading the dough by hand for 30-40 minutes. Here, you can gradually add the warm milk and oil (or melted butter), continuing to knead until the dough becomes smooth and easily separates from your hands and the bowl's sides.

5. Rising the dough: Gather the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a thick towel and place the bowl in a warm spot, free from drafts. Let it rise for about 2 hours or until it has increased in volume by 2-3 times.

Preparing the cream

1. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until you achieve a glossy, stiff meringue.

2. Incorporating the ingredients: Gradually add the cocoa and ground nuts to the egg white foam, gently folding with a spatula until everything is well combined.

Assembling the sweet bread

1. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, cut a piece the size of a grapefruit and roll it out on a greased surface. Spread 3 tablespoons of cream over the dough and roll it up carefully.

2. Braiding: Do the same with the second piece of dough. After obtaining two rolls, braid them carefully and place them in a greased baking pan.

3. Second rising: Allow the sweet bread to rise again for about 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

4. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet bread with a beaten egg mixed with a little milk to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Place a tray of water in the oven to create steam, which will help the dough to be even fluffier.

5. Baking: Bake the sweet bread for about 1 hour, being careful not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan.

Serving and suggestions

After the sweet bread has cooled completely, slice it and serve it with a glass of warm milk or a cup of fragrant tea. This nut and chocolate sweet bread is perfect to be enjoyed in the company of loved ones, bringing warmth and joy in every bite.

Variations and useful tips

- Flavorings: You can add vanilla or rum essences to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- Alternative fillings: Instead of nuts, you can use ground almonds, hazelnuts, or grated chocolate.
- Serving: This sweet bread pairs wonderfully with fruit preserves or cream cheese.

Nutritional information

Each serving of sweet bread provides energy and nutrients from ingredients such as nuts rich in healthy fats, protein-packed eggs, and milk. Although it is a dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Why is it important to sift the flour?: Sifting the flour helps aerate it, leading to a fluffier dough.
- Can I use dry yeast?: Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Use about 15 g of dry yeast for this recipe.
- How do I keep the sweet bread fresh?: Wrap it in a clean towel and store it in an airtight container. You can freeze the sweet bread sliced for later enjoyment.

With a little patience and love, this nut and chocolate sweet bread will surely become a cherished recipe, perfect for any occasion. So, put on your chef's attire and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aromas of this traditional dessert!