Swiss cake

Swiss bread - A delicious choice for any occasion

Do you want to prepare a dessert that impresses not only with its taste but also with its appearance? Swiss bread is the answer! This recipe combines tradition with a touch of innovation, offering you a fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful bread. Ideal for holidays or pampering moments, this bread will surely become a favorite in your home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g type 650 flour (use quality flour for a fluffy bread)
- 1 small cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 250 ml warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 120 g sugar (you can adjust the amount if you prefer a less sweet bread)
- 1 egg (well beaten, for added richness)
- 80 g margarine (melted, should be liquid)
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange (to add a fresh aroma)
- Vanilla essence (about 1 teaspoon, or more to taste)

For the filling:
- 200 g Turkish delight (you can use nut or rose-flavored Turkish delight, depending on your preferences)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- Granulated sugar (to achieve a crunchy and sweet crust)

Preparing the Swiss bread:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by dissolving the yeast cube in warm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as this could destroy the yeast. Let the yeast activate for 5-10 minutes until it starts to bubble.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a bread machine bowl or a large bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, beaten egg, melted margarine, vanilla essence, and grated lemon and orange zest. Add the milk with the dissolved yeast. If using a bread machine, select the kneading and rising program.

3. Kneading: If kneading by hand, mix the ingredients with a spatula, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Rising: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, place it on a floured table and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a rectangle, then evenly distribute the cubes of Turkish delight on each dough.

6. Braiding: Twist each rectangle into a roll, then braid the two rolls to form a loaf. Carefully place it in a special baking pan lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rising: Cover the loaf and let it rise in the pan for about 30 minutes.

8. Brushing: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the loaf with this mixture. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a delicious crust.

9. Baking: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as nuts, raisins, or chocolate.
- If you prefer a moister loaf, you can add a little extra milk to the dough or drizzle the loaf with sugar syrup after baking.

Nutritional benefits:
Swiss bread is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and by adding Turkish delight, you will also get fiber and vitamins. It is important to consume this dessert in moderation, considering its sugar content.

Serving suggestions:
Serve Swiss bread plain or alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can add a spoonful of fruit jam or butter for an even more pleasant culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace margarine with butter? Yes, butter will add a richer flavor to the bread.
2. What type of Turkish delight should I use? Any variant you like, but nut Turkish delight adds a pleasant texture.
3. How can I keep the bread fresh? Store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.

This Swiss bread will surely become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire. Don't hesitate to try it and share the result with your loved ones!