Sweet bread

Delicious sweet bread with walnut and cocoa filling

Sweet bread is one of those traditional recipes that reminds us of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. It is a dessert that has been prepared for generations, often associated with holidays and special events. This sweet bread recipe with walnut and cocoa filling will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen, featuring a fluffy dough and a rich, aromatic filling. Let's discover together how to prepare these delicious sweet breads!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 500 ml of milk
- 4 eggs
- 300 g of sugar
- 50 ml of oil
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence

For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 200 g of ground walnuts
- 100 g of raisins (optional)
- Cut-up Turkish delight and various flavors (optional)

Preparing the sweet breads:

1. We start by preparing the ingredients for the dough. In a small pot, mix 300 ml of milk with 100 g of sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Heat the mixture over low heat until it becomes warm. It should not boil!

2. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and mix it with 3-4 tablespoons of flour and 100 ml of warm milk. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms.

3. In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour. Make a well in the center and add the 4 beaten eggs, the risen yeast, and the warm milk mixture. Mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Add the oil and continue kneading the dough. It should become elastic and pull away from your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy sweet bread!

5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

6. Meanwhile, we prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of sugar with the 2 tablespoons of cocoa, ground walnuts, and raisins (if you choose to use them). If desired, you can also add cubes of Turkish delight for extra flavor.

7. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a rectangle using a rolling pin.

8. Evenly sprinkle the filling over each rectangle of dough. Carefully roll it up from one end to the other, forming a log. Make sure the filling is well wrapped inside.

9. Place the sweet breads in prepared baking pans. Brush each sweet bread with a beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top for a shiny and crunchy appearance.

10. Let the sweet breads rise in the pans for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

11. Bake the sweet breads in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until they are golden and well baked. You can check if they are done by tapping them lightly; if they sound hollow, they are perfectly baked.

12. After the sweet breads are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Here are some useful tips:
- To achieve a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rum or almond essence to the filling.
- If you prefer a sweet bread without filling, you can add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh taste.
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active; you can check this by adding a teaspoon of sugar and letting it sit in warm water for 10 minutes. If it forms bubbles, it is good to use.

The sweet breads are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. These sweet breads keep well and can be enjoyed the next day, with a slice of butter or on their own, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Nutrition:
Each serving of sweet bread contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Sweet bread is rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, and proteins from eggs and nuts, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount to about 20 g, as it is more concentrated.

- What other fillings can I use?
In addition to walnuts and cocoa, you can use chocolate, poppy seeds, or even dried fruits for a variety of flavors.

- How can I tell if the sweet breads are baked?
A simple method is to tap them lightly; if they sound hollow, they are done. You can also check by inserting a tester in the middle; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left to do is to start cooking! Your sweet breads will surely become a delight on the holiday table or on any ordinary day, and your family and friends will enjoy the delicious result. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!