Sweet bread with dried fruits and Turkish delight

Sweet Bread with Dried Fruits and Turkish Delight: a classic recipe full of flavor and nostalgia

Sweet bread with dried fruits and Turkish delight is a traditional dessert that reminds us of the holidays spent with loved ones. With a fluffy texture and delicious filling, this sweet bread is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect sweet bread that will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (approx. 7 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks + 1 whole egg
- 50 g soft butter
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 150 ml warm milk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
- 100 g dried cranberries
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g Turkish delight (preferably colorful cubes for a festive appearance)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour with the sugar and dry yeast. Make sure the yeast is well mixed with the flour, as this will help the dough rise evenly. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

In a separate container, mix the warm milk with the melted butter and oil. It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, so as not to destroy the yeast. Add the two egg yolks and the whole egg to the milk mixture and mix well.

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and start kneading the dough. Use a mixer with dough hooks or knead by hand until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 2: Rising the dough

Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy sweet bread.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and combine it with the cranberries and raisins. If desired, you can soak the dried fruits in warm water or rum to enhance their flavor. This is an excellent way to add a touch of refinement to the sweet bread.

Step 4: Shaping the sweet breads

After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each part into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Evenly sprinkle the dried fruit and Turkish delight filling over the entire surface.

Roll each sheet tightly to form a log. Then, braid the two logs to form a sweet bread. This braiding not only looks spectacular but also helps distribute the filling evenly.

Step 5: Second rising

After shaping the sweet breads, place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. This second rising will make the sweet bread even fluffier.

Step 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the sweet breads have risen, brush them with a beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness.

Bake the sweet breads for 50 minutes. After about 35 minutes, check the sweet breads. If you notice they are browning too much on top, cover them with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cooling and serving

Once baked, remove the sweet breads from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

This sweet bread with dried fruits and Turkish delight can be enjoyed plain or with a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee. It is also delicious toasted, with a slice of melted butter on top.

Tips and variations

- If you want a more aromatic sweet bread, try adding some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as nuts, chocolate, or even other dried fruits, depending on your preferences.
- The sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet bread with dried fruits and Turkish delight is a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Dried fruits add vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. However, consume it in moderation, as it also contains a significant amount of sugar.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes, you can replace dry yeast with 25 g of fresh yeast. You will need a larger amount of fresh yeast to achieve the same effect.

2. How can I tell if the sweet bread is baked?
- A baked sweet bread will have a golden crust, and when you tap it lightly on the bottom, it will produce a hollow sound.

3. Can I freeze the sweet bread?
- Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start making this delicious sweet bread with dried fruits and Turkish delight. It will surely become a favorite recipe in your family!