Sweet bread

Homemade Sweet Bread with Delicious Filling

Sweet bread is a traditional dessert, full of flavor and joy, that brings families together during festive occasions. Whether it's Christmas, Easter, or a simple family gathering, sweet bread is a must-have on our table. This classic recipe I’m sharing with you is a true delight, and the final result will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour (choose a high-quality flour for the best results)
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 500 ml milk (using whole milk is ideal for a richer taste)
- 200 g butter (almost melted, but cooled)
- 250 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 5 egg yolks (for a soft and rich texture)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Vanilla essence (to taste, for a subtle flavor)
- Vanilla sugar (optional, but recommended)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- Cocoa powder (for filling, or you can customize the recipe with other ingredients)
- Turkish delight (cut into small cubes, adds a traditional note)
- Raisins (your preference may vary, but they provide natural sweetness)
- Cooking chocolate (optional, for chocolate lovers)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the flavored milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk together with the sugar, essences, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves, then let it cool to room temperature. This step will infuse the milk with delicious flavors that will reflect in the final dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the two cubes of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and three tablespoons of warm milk (from the total amount). Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step that ensures even rising of the dough.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the sifted flour and add the activated yeast mixture. Start mixing with a fork, beginning from the center of the bowl and gradually incorporating the flour from the edges. Add the flavored milk little by little, continuing to mix.

4. Adding the yolks and butter: Once the flour is incorporated, add the 5 lightly beaten egg yolks. The cooled melted butter should be added gradually. Grease your hands with butter and start kneading the dough for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give the sweet bread a fluffy and airy texture.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle cocoa powder, raisins, diced Turkish delight, and cooking chocolate as desired.

7. Rolling the dough: Roll the dough tightly, being careful not to let the filling escape. Place each roll in baking trays lined with parchment paper and greased with oil.

8. Glazing and baking: Before putting the sweet breads in the oven, brush them with a beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with coconut or sugar, as preferred. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40-45 minutes. Check with a skewer, and if it comes out clean, the sweet breads are done.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the sweet breads cool in the trays for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them fresh.

Useful tips:
- Choose quality ingredients, especially flour and butter, for the best outcome.
- If you want a more aromatic sweet bread, experiment with various fillings: nuts, almonds, or even a combination of dried fruits.
- The sweet bread stores well in aluminum foil or an airtight container, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
Sweet bread offers carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the eggs, and healthy fats from the butter. Additionally, the fillings add vitamins and minerals, depending on the chosen ingredients. However, it's good to consume in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content.

As for calories, a medium sweet bread can have around 350-400 kcal per serving, depending on the filling and ingredients used.

Possible variations:
- Instead of cocoa powder, you can use chocolate spread, fruit jam, or even a sweet cheese filling.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an even richer aroma.

To complement this delicious dessert, I recommend a fruit tea or even a sweet wine, which will enhance the flavors of the sweet bread. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast.

Sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it's a tradition that unites us and reminds us of the wonderful moments spent with loved ones. So let's enjoy this recipe and create unforgettable memories around the table!