Sweet bread with dried plums

Dried Plum Sweet Bread – A Holiday Delicacy

Sweet bread is a symbol of holidays, a recipe passed down through generations, bringing joy and warmth to every home. Today, I present to you a special recipe for sweet bread with dried plums, which will not only fill your kitchen with a divine aroma but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every slice. This version is easy to prepare, yet the final result will exceed all expectations.

Preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14 slices

Ingredients:

- 1 kg wheat flour (ideal for sweet bread)
- 300 g sugar (for a sweet and aromatic bread)
- 4 egg yolks (strengthen the dough and add a beautiful color)
- 180 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80 g fresh yeast (or 30 g dry yeast)
- 500 ml milk (preferably at room temperature or slightly warmed)
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar (for a sweet aroma)
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange (for a fresh note)
- 300 g pitted dried plums (delicious and full of benefits)
- 300 g Turkish delight (a classic option, but optional)
- 1 egg yolk for glazing (for a golden crust)

Preparing the Dried Plum Sweet Bread:

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, combine 80 g of yeast with 100 ml of warm milk, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let it rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is when the yeast "comes to life," ensuring that the dough will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add 1 kg of flour and make a well in the center. In this well, add the risen yeast. Then add the sugar, 4 egg yolks, lemon and orange zest, salt, and 300 ml of slightly warmed milk. Start mixing the ingredients, gradually incorporating the flour.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Once the ingredients are well mixed, start kneading the dough for 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to use a well-floured working surface. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and easily separates from your hands and the working surface. Finally, add 180 g of melted margarine (or butter) and continue kneading until it is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Let the dough rise
After the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to prepare the filling.

Step 5: Preparing the filling
Cut the dried plums into small pieces. If desired, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to make them softer and easier to incorporate into the dough. If you choose to use Turkish delight, cut it into small cubes, just like the plums.

Step 6: Shaping the sweet breads
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take one part and roll it out on a working surface into a rectangle about 5-6 mm thick. Evenly sprinkle the dried plums over the entire surface and roll the dough tightly, forming a log. Repeat this process with the other part of the dough, adding Turkish delight if you want to make a different version.

Step 7: Prepare the baking pans
Grease a baking pan with margarine (or oil) and place the logs in the pan. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. When the dough has risen again, brush it with a beaten egg yolk to achieve a nice golden crust. Bake the sweet breads for 35-40 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.

Step 9: Cooling
Once the sweet breads are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, take them out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 10: Serving
The sweet bread is best sliced after it has completely cooled; otherwise, it risks crumbling. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the delicious aromas that intertwine in every slice.

Helpful tips:
- Choose high-quality pitted dried plums for a better taste.
- You can add ground nuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, to vary the recipe.
- The sweet bread stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.

Nutritional benefits:
Dried plum sweet bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dried plums are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, contributing to digestion and heart health. The whole wheat flour used can also add extra nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, use about 30 g of dry yeast and add it directly to the flour without making a yeast starter.

2. What can I do if I don’t have margarine?
You can use butter for a richer taste or sunflower oil for a lighter option.

3. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh longer?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in a cool place.

Dried plum sweet bread is a perfect choice for holiday meals, but also for daily indulgence. Whether you enjoy it in the morning, at lunch, or in the evening, each bite will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your meal!