Nut and poppy seed cake

Delicious nut and poppy seed sweet bread - a traditional recipe, full of flavors and memories!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

The sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition, a symbol of celebrations, and a pleasant memory from childhood. This nut and poppy seed sweet bread recipe will take you on a culinary journey, full of flavor and warmth. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this sweet bread will bring joy to your table.

Your basic ingredients are:

- 800 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast
- Zest of one lemon
- Warm milk (as needed)
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 125 ml milk
- Sugar to taste (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- 100 g raisins
- 150 g colored Turkish delight
- 150-200 g ground walnuts
- Sugar to taste
- 2 egg whites (beaten to stiff peaks)
- 1 egg white for brushing
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
Start by warming 200 ml of milk. Add a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour, mixing well. Then, crumble the fresh yeast and add it to the mixture. Stir everything and let it rise in a warm place until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as an active yeast will ensure a fluffy texture for your sweet bread.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Sifting the flour into a large bowl is essential for achieving a fine dough. Add the salt and mix well. In another bowl, separate the two eggs. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar, oil, and lemon zest until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks.

Add the yolk mixture to the flour, followed by the risen yeast. Mix everything well, gradually adding warm milk until the dough becomes elastic. Knead the dough for about 30 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Preparing the fillings
While the dough is rising, prepare the fillings. In a saucepan, place 125 ml of milk and the ground poppy seeds. Add sugar to taste (about 3-4 tablespoons) and boil for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the milk reduces and the mixture thickens. Set aside and let it cool.

Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and rinse the raisins, letting them drain. In a bowl, mix half of the beaten egg whites with the ground walnuts and sugar to taste.

Step 4: Shaping the sweet breads
Divide the dough into four equal parts. On a lightly oiled surface, roll each part into a rectangle. Spread each rectangle with the poppy seed filling, roll it up, and set aside. Repeat this process for the other parts, filling one with walnuts and the other with raisins.

Then, take the two rolls and carefully braid them, forming a sweet bread. Place it in a greased loaf pan. Do the same with the other two rolls, filled with walnuts and Turkish delight, placing them in the other pan.

Step 5: Final rising and baking
Cover the sweet breads with a clean towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. Before placing them in the oven, brush them with beaten egg white and sprinkle brown sugar on top for a crispy and sweet finish.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the sweet breads for about 40 minutes until they are golden and well browned. When ready, remove them from the oven and cover them with a towel to cool slightly.

Step 6: Serving
The sweet bread is served warm or at room temperature, cut into thick slices. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. Another wonderful idea is to serve it with a spoonful of fruit jam or a portion of fresh whipped cream, which will add a touch of freshness.

Tips and variations
- If you wish, you can also add ground chocolate to the filling for a more decadent taste.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or pecans for a different note.
- The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature, but it can also be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread provides a good source of energy due to the complex carbohydrates from the flour, as well as healthy fats from the nuts. Poppy seeds and walnuts are rich in protein and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. However, consume it in moderation due to the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will have a different texture and will require more liquid.
2. How can I make the sweet bread less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the fillings or use natural sugar, such as honey.
3. How long does the sweet bread last? At room temperature, it can last 3-4 days, and in the freezer, up to 3 months.

The nut and poppy seed sweet bread is a perfect choice to bring a touch of tradition into everyday life. Whether you prepare it for holidays or simply to indulge yourself, this is a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Cook with love and joy, and the result will meet your expectations!