Sweet bread

Fluffy Nut and Raisin Sweet Bread – A Traditional Indulgence

The sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true treasure of culinary traditions, a symbol of celebrations and joyful moments spent with family. This recipe for fluffy sweet bread with nuts and raisins will transform any meal into a feast of flavors and textures. In the following, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect, fluffy, and aromatic sweet bread that will surely become the star of your table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 100 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large sweet breads

Ingredients:
- 600 g type 650 flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 250 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 50 ml oil
- 60 g butter (or margarine)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 essence of rum
- 50 g raisins
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 10 g salt
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- Vanilla sugar (to taste)

Necessary utensils:
- A large bowl for kneading
- A whisk or spatula
- A sweet bread baking pan
- A clean towel (for covering)
- Baking paper (optional)

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, so as not to kill the yeast. The raisins should be cleaned and soaked in rum for at least 30 minutes, which will give them an intense flavor.

Step 2: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 10 g of sugar until it becomes a fluid paste. Dissolve this mixture in 70 ml of warm milk and gradually add 100 g of flour. This mixture will become our starter, which should be left in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the main mixture
In another bowl, pour the hot milk and gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let this mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, lemon zest, rum essence, vanilla sugar, and the fermented starter. Mix well, then incorporate the milk and flour mixture. Gradually add the remaining flour (about 450 g) and mix.

Step 5: Adding fats and filling
Next, add the oil and melted butter, raisins, and ground walnuts. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, and bubbles start to appear on the surface.

Step 6: Rising the dough
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 100 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

Step 7: Shaping the sweet breads
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal balls. Each ball is divided into two parts, which you will roll out on an oiled wooden board, forming rolls. Braid the two rolls and place them in oiled baking pans.

Step 8: Second rising
Let the sweet breads rise again, covered, in a warm place until they double in volume, about 30-40 minutes.

Step 9: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Brush the surface of the sweet breads with a beaten egg yolk and bake for 10 minutes at a low temperature to allow the dough to rise. Then, increase the temperature to 180°C and bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cooling
After baking, remove the sweet breads from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to baking paper to cool completely.

Serving suggestions
The sweet bread is served warm or at room temperature, sliced. It can be accompanied by a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of sweet wine, which will enhance the delicious flavors of the filling.

Frequently asked questions
- Why should I use fresh yeast? Fresh yeast provides faster fermentation and better flavor compared to dry yeast.
- Can I add other fillings? Of course! You can experiment with chocolate, Turkish delight, or candied fruits.
- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh? You can store it in a plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, protein (due to the nuts and eggs), and healthy fats. The walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, while the raisins provide a dose of fiber and essential minerals.

Possible variations
For a truly special sweet bread, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa to the dough or replace the walnuts with ground almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a more exotic flavor.

Cooking is about creativity and joy, and this recipe for fluffy sweet bread with nuts and raisins is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!