Russian Braid or the fluffiest sweet bread!

Russian Braid - The Fluffiest Sweet Bread

Sweet bread is a beloved dessert found in many cultures, each with its unique variations and traditions. Today, I will share a special recipe for Russian Braid, a fluffy and aromatic sweet bread that is sure to become the star of your table. This recipe impresses not only with its appearance but also with its exquisite taste. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, you will discover how to create a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 600-650 g type 000 flour (or white flour)
- 21 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast) + 1 teaspoon sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 90 g sugar
- 90 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 50 g butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For brushing:
- 3 quail egg yolks (or 1 chicken egg yolk)
- 3 tablespoons milk

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 250
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g

Preparation:

1. Prepare the starter: In a large bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the fresh yeast dissolved in 250 ml of lukewarm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let it ferment for about 1 hour in a warm place. You will see bubbles forming, and the starter will double in volume, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the dough: Once the starter has risen, add the 2 beaten eggs, 90 g sugar, 90 g soft butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and the remaining flour. Mix the ingredients until you obtain a soft but compact dough. You may need to add a little more flour, depending on humidity.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 1.5 hours in a draft-free place.

4. Prepare the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing 50 g of soft butter with 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

5. Shape the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a square sheet, not too thin. Spread the filling mixture over the sheet, leaving a 1 cm edge. Roll the sheet tightly to form a log.

6. Braid: Cut a 5 cm piece from one end and set it aside. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half, leaving the 5 cm end intact. Twist the two strips and braid them carefully, then tuck the uncut end under the braid. Place the log in a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rise: Cover the sweet bread with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

8. Brush and bake: Mix the 3 quail egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of milk and brush the risen sweet bread. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test.

9. Cooling: Once the sweet bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Practical tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients to facilitate dough homogenization.
- If you want a sweeter bread, you can add a few extra tablespoons of sugar to the dough.
- Experiment with various fillings! You can add ground nuts, raisins, or chocolate for a personalized touch.
- If you want to enhance the flavors even more, let the sweet bread rest in the refrigerator overnight, covered with plastic wrap.

The Russian Braid is perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but it can also be a delicious dessert for festive meals. Serve it plain or sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a more festive look.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, use 7 g of dry yeast for this recipe.
- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh longer? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist and fluffy.

Create delicious memories with this Russian Braid recipe. Its soft texture and enticing aroma will make every slice a joy. Don’t forget to share this recipe with loved ones and enjoy this fluffy sweet bread together!