Nut and cocoa sweet bread

Nut and Cocoa Sweet Bread – A Holiday Delicacy

The sweet bread is a symbol of the holidays, a delicacy that blends tradition with the love and warmth of a home. Whether you prepare it for Easter, Christmas, or any other special occasion, this nut and cocoa sweet bread will bring joy and a sweet aroma throughout the house. In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to achieve a delicious sweet bread, with a fluffy texture and a decadent filling.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking powder
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar

Ingredients for the filling:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- A splash of lemon juice
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 2 heaping tablespoons of cocoa

Preparing the sweet bread

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of lukewarm milk with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 30 g of fresh yeast. Let the mixture ferment for 15 minutes. This essential step will ensure even rising and a fluffy dough.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients well. In the center of the flour, add the yolks mixed with the oil, the milk and yeast mixture, and start kneading the dough.

Knead the dough for 20-30 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. A good technique is to slap the dough against the work surface a few times to improve its structure.

Step 3: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for an hour in a warm place, away from drafts.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice until you get a stiff foam. Gradually add the 3 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes shiny and firm. Fold in the ground walnuts and cocoa, mixing gently with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

Step 5: Forming the sweet bread
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece of dough on a floured surface, forming two rectangular sheets. Evenly spread the filling on each sheet.

Carefully roll the sheets into two rolls, which you will twist together. Place the sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the sweet bread with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk, then sprinkle a little sugar on top for a crispy finish. I recommend using a convection oven for even baking.

Bake the sweet bread for about 50 minutes. Check if it’s done by doing the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the sweet bread is perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the sweet bread cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. It is most delicious served warm, but also cold, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

Serving suggestions and variations
The sweet bread is perfect to be enjoyed with friends and family during the holidays. I recommend serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fruit jam for a contrast of flavors.

If you want to experiment, you can add raisins to the filling or try a combination of nuts and chocolate.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread contains nuts, which are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while cocoa provides antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. When consumed in moderation, the sweet bread can be part of a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, replace the fresh yeast with 10 g of dry yeast, activating it in the same way.

2. How can I store the sweet bread?
You can store it in a metal box or an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

3. Can the sweet bread be frozen?
Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can easily consume it.

The nut and cocoa sweet bread recipe is not just a culinary dish, but also a family experience, a moment of joy and tradition. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones, turning every meal into a celebration. Christ is risen!