Nut and cocoa sweet bread

Nut and Cocoa Sweet Bread - A Holiday Delicacy

The celebration of Easter is fast approaching, and the tradition of kneading sweet bread brings us together, enveloping us in aromas of nuts, cocoa, and citrus. This nut and cocoa sweet bread recipe is not just a simple recipe, but a family story, a sweet memory that connects us to our loved ones. Get ready to discover the secrets of a perfect sweet bread, with a fluffy texture and rich filling, ideal for enjoying alongside your dear ones.

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 750 g flour type 000 (choose a quality, freshly sifted flour for a fluffy dough)
- 37.5 g fresh yeast (about 1 cube and 1/2)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to activate the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons sour milk or yogurt (for a rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for a creamy texture)
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 yolks (to glaze the sweet breads at the end)
- 3 egg whites (for the filling)
- 75 g butter, melted (important to be at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- Grated zest of one large lemon (for a fresh note)
- Grated zest of one large orange (the citrus aroma will enhance the flavor)

For the filling:
- 4 tablespoons cocoa (choose high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 250 g nuts (finely ground)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (for the perfect sweetness)
- 25 ml rum essence (optional, but recommended for a deep flavor)

For decoration:
- Poppy seeds (for an elegant look)
- A little sunflower oil or melted butter (for kneading)
- Salt (a pinch to balance the taste)

Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. The flour should be freshly sifted, and the yeast must be active. A tip from Grandma Anna is to keep a few pieces of yeast separately to ensure even rising.

2. Preparing the starter: In a bowl, combine 3 eggs, sour cream, yogurt, a little milk, a few reserved pieces of yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 8 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you obtain a thicker paste. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15-20 minutes in a warm place (the microwave is ideal).

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, pour the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add the prepared starter, melted butter (which should not be hot), sugar, lemon, and orange zest. Mix everything well, then knead a little directly in the bowl. Cover the dough and let it rise for 35-45 minutes, also in the microwave.

4. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until foamy. Add 5 tablespoons of sugar and 4 tablespoons of cocoa, mixing well. Finally, incorporate the ground nuts and the rum essence, obtaining a thick paste.

5. Finalizing the dough: After the dough has risen, add the remaining yeast and knead it with a little sunflower oil or melted butter. Divide the dough into two equal parts.

6. Shaping the sweet breads: On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a rectangle (try to make it longer than wide). Using a brush, apply the filling on the dough, sprinkling a few ground nuts on top. Roll the dough tightly and place it in the baking molds.

7. Second rising: Let the sweet breads rise again for about 15 minutes, also in the microwave.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to a low temperature (160°C - 170°C). The sweet breads bake for about 1 hour. Towards the end, you can brush them with a mixture of 2 yolks and a little milk, then sprinkle brown sugar and poppy seeds for a special look.

9. Cooling and serving: The sweet breads are delicious when warm! After baking, let them cool slightly, then enjoy them alongside a glass of milk or yogurt, or even with a few tablespoons of sour cream. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can wrap them in cling film.

Practical Tips

- Storage: The sweet breads can be kept in cling film or in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding raisins or chocolate to the filling, adapting the recipe to your family’s tastes.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of sweet bread (approximately 100 g) has around 350-400 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to the content of nuts and eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the quantity according to the instructions on the package.
- How long does baking take? The sweet breads bake for about 1 hour, but it’s good to check the baking with a tester, inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
- What drinks pair best with sweet bread? Serve the sweet bread alongside a glass of warm milk, tea, or even a sweet wine, for a perfect combination.

Personal Story

I fondly remember the moments spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where each sweet bread was a work of art, and the aroma of nuts and cocoa filled the entire house. The tradition of making sweet breads for Easter is one that is passed down from generation to generation, and each recipe has a unique note, personalized by each family. I encourage you to add your own personal touch to the recipe, perhaps a secret ingredient or a special technique.

Savor every bite and enjoy the moments spent with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!