Nut cake with Nesquik

Nuts and Nesquik Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delicacy with a Modern Twist

Sweet bread is one of the most beloved traditional dishes, evoked in every celebration, from Christmas to Easter. This recipe for sweet bread with nuts and Nesquik combines tradition with a touch of innovation, bringing a familiar and comforting taste at the same time. With a delicious filling of nuts, sugar, and a hint of chocolate from Nesquik, this sweet bread promises to be the star of your table. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 3 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:

- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 550, for a light structure)
- 500 ml warm milk (not hot!)
- 250 g margarine (1 package, use Rama margarine for better taste)
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast (about 2 cubes)
- 5 eggs (at room temperature)
- Zest of one orange (for a tempting aroma)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional, but recommended for a refined taste)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:

- 500 g ground walnuts (you can also use roasted nuts for a more intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar
- 5 tablespoons Nesquik (or other cocoa powder, if you prefer)

For brushing the sweet breads:

- 1 egg (beaten, for glazing)

After baking:

- 1 cup of water
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for a delicious syrup)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast
In a small bowl, add the crumbled yeast, a teaspoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and a little warm milk. Stir gently with a spoon until a paste forms. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is when the yeast will activate its rising power!

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, place the sifted flour, rum essence, orange zest, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well. In a separate container, heat the remaining milk until warm, but not hot. Add the activated yeast to the flour and start kneading, gradually adding the warm milk.

In a small saucepan, melt the margarine, being careful not to let it boil (just until it becomes liquid). When the margarine is melted, add it to the dough and continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

Step 3: Rising the Dough
Sprinkle a little flour over the dough and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in volume. This is the ideal time to prepare the filling.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the ground walnuts with sugar and Nesquik. This mixture will add not only sweetness but also a hint of chocolate that will transform the sweet bread into a delight.

Step 5: Shaping the Sweet Breads
After the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal pieces. Each piece will be divided again into 2. On a floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a rectangle. Generously sprinkle the walnut filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Carefully roll the dough, gently pressing the edges to seal the filling.

After rolling all 3 sweet breads, you can braid them into beautiful shapes or leave them in their simple form. Place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Baking the Sweet Breads
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, brush the sweet breads with the beaten egg for a golden, appetizing crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until they are golden and have a tempting aroma. To check if they are well baked, you can do the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the sweet breads are ready!

Step 7: Glazing
After removing them from the oven, prepare a simple syrup by mixing water with sugar. Brush the hot sweet breads with this syrup to give them a shiny appearance and a sweet aroma.

Practical Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially eggs and milk, to achieve a uniform and well-risen dough.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling.
- The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature, covered with a clean towel. To maintain freshness, you can freeze it in airtight bags.

Possible Variations
The sweet bread with nuts and Nesquik can be adapted to personal tastes. Instead of Nesquik, you can use cocoa powder, ground chocolate, or even dried fruits (like raisins or apricots). You can also replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds to experiment with different textures and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Of course! You can use 15 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How long can I keep the sweet bread?
The sweet bread stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature, covered. You can freeze it and keep it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Certainly! You can add chocolate, raisins, or even a splash of rum for a more intense flavor.

Serving
The sweet bread with nuts and Nesquik is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It is also perfect for a special breakfast or as a dessert for festive meals. It’s never too early or too late to enjoy a slice of sweet bread!

We hope this recipe for sweet bread with nuts and Nesquik inspires you to remember culinary traditions while also experimenting with new flavors. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor every moment of the cooking process! Enjoy your meal!