Nut and cocoa sweet bread

Nut and cocoa sweet bread - a traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 3 hours
Number of servings: 4 sweet breads

The sweet bread is one of the most beloved pastries in culinary tradition, often associated with holidays and special moments spent with loved ones. With a fluffy texture and rich filling of nuts and cocoa, this sweet bread will bring a touch of warmth and joy to any home. Let's embark together on this recipe, step by step, and discover the secrets of a perfect sweet bread.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 000 for a fluffier sweet bread)
- 5 egg yolks
- 500 ml of milk (warm, to activate the yeast)
- 250 g of sugar
- 200 g of butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 packets of dry yeast (or 40 g of fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 2 essences of rum
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 250 g of ground nuts
- 1 packet of cocoa (25 g)
- 100 g of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 essence of rum
- 100 g of raisins (optional)
- 3 tablespoons of milk

Preparation steps:

1. Activating the yeast:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Add 250 g of sugar, vanilla sugar, and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. In a bowl, place 3 tablespoons of flour, the yeast, and a tablespoon of warm milk from the saucepan. Mix until a smooth paste forms. Sprinkle a little flour on top and let the yeast rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, place the remaining flour, add the salt, essences, lemon and orange zest, and mix well. In the center of the flour, make a well and add the egg yolks, warm milk, the risen yeast, and mix everything with a spatula or your hands. Then, start incorporating the melted butter gradually, and knead the dough for 30 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough:
After kneading well, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and a half, until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the ground nuts, cocoa, sugar, rum essence, and raisins (if using). Mix everything well and add the 3 tablespoons of milk to obtain a homogeneous mixture that is not too wet.

5. Forming the sweet breads:
When the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Place the nut and cocoa filling in the center of each sheet, then carefully roll the dough, forming a log. Place each sweet bread in greased and floured baking trays.

6. Second rising:
Let the sweet breads rise again, covered, for 30-40 minutes, until they increase in volume.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the sweet breads for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and pass the toothpick test. If they brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

8. Finishing and serving:
After the sweet breads are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar and slice them.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate rising.
- You can experiment with fillings by adding chocolate, Turkish delight, or candied fruits for a personalized version.
- The sweet breads can be served with fragrant tea or mulled wine, which will perfectly complement the sweet flavors of the pastry.

Nutritional benefits:
The sweet bread is a source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the flour and nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, beneficial for heart health. Additionally, cocoa has antioxidant effects and can improve well-being.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the sweet bread will have a denser texture. It is recommended to combine whole wheat flour with white flour to maintain fluffiness.

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
Wrap it in plastic wrap or a clean towel and store it in a cool place, away from moisture. It can be consumed even after a few days, but it is best fresh.

3. Can I freeze the sweet bread?
Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. Divide it into portions and wrap it well in plastic wrap. When needed, let it thaw at room temperature.

Happy cooking and enjoy! The nut and cocoa sweet bread will surely become a staple recipe in your holiday or special occasion menu. Each slice will bring back beautiful memories and unforgettable moments with loved ones.