Easter Sweet Bread

Easter Sweet Bread - The Delight of Easter Celebrations

The sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it represents a tradition, a memory of celebrations spent with loved ones. This year, I decided to delight my family and friends with two large sweet breads, filled with cocoa, nuts, raisins, and Turkish delight, bringing a touch of joy to our home during the Easter holidays. I invite you to discover this fluffy sweet bread recipe, which promises to become the star of the Easter table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 16

Ingredients for 2 large sweet breads:

- 75 g fresh yeast (about one and a half cubes)
- 4 eggs
- About 1 kg of flour
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- About 150 ml oil for kneading

For the filling:

- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa
- 5 tablespoons roasted and ground nuts
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Raisins soaked in white wine
- Mixed Turkish delight, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg yolk and a little milk for brushing
- Additionally: a little water and sugar for brushing after baking

History of the Sweet Bread:
The sweet bread is a pastry specialty with a long tradition, often associated with holidays and special occasions. Each family has its own recipe, passed down from generation to generation, and the ingredients vary according to preferences. The tradition of baking sweet breads for Easter symbolizes rebirth, and its inviting aroma fills homes with warmth and joy.

Preparing the Dough:
1. Activating the Yeast: Start by crumbling the yeast into a small bowl and dissolving it in 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Add 1 tablespoon of the 5 tablespoons of sugar and mix well. Let it rest for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy sweet bread.

2. Kneading: In a large bowl, add the eggs, salt, the rest of the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and the activated yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing continuously. When the dough becomes consistent, add the oil little by little and continue kneading until you obtain an elastic but fluffy dough. Don’t worry if it seems sticky; add flour gradually, but don’t overdo it.

3. Rising the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. Choosing a warm place is crucial; for example, you can place your bowl in the turned-off but warm oven.

Preparing the Filling:
4. Mixing the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the 7 tablespoons of sugar, cocoa, ground nuts, and vanilla sugar. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous and delicious filling.

Forming the Sweet Breads:
5. Dividing the Dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts.

6. The Braided Sweet Bread: Roll out the first part of the dough into a rectangular sheet. Cut the sheet into three strips. On each strip, sprinkle the cocoa, nuts, sugar, raisins, and cut Turkish delight filling. Braid the strips and place the sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. The Rolled Sweet Bread: Roll out the second part of the dough into a sheet, sprinkle the remaining filling, and roll the dough. Place it in the prepared tray as well.

Rising and Baking:
8. Second Rising: Let the sweet breads rise in the trays, this time until they exceed the edges of the trays, for about 1 hour.

9. Brushing: Beat the egg yolk with a little milk and brush the sweet breads to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C (low heat). Bake the sweet breads for 50 minutes or until they turn golden. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid disturbing the baking process.

11. Finishing: Once ready, remove the sweet breads from the oven and brush them with a mixture of water and sugar to make them shine. Cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and fluffy while cooling.

Serving and Suggestions:
The sweet breads can be sliced after they have completely cooled. Serve them for breakfast, alongside a cup of milk or a fragrant cup of coffee. They can also be enjoyed as dessert, alongside a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea.

Variations and Tips:
- You can add dark chocolate or candied fruits to the filling for an extra touch of flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the dough.

Nutritional Benefits:
This sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, due to the flour and eggs. The nuts add healthy fats and vitamins, while the raisins provide an energy boost. However, it is best to consume it in moderation due to the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 25 g.
2. How can I tell if the sweet bread is baked? You can check with a simple test: lightly tap the bottom of the sweet bread; if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
3. Can I freeze the sweet bread? Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it beforehand. Place the slices in a freezer bag.

I hope you enjoy this fluffy and aromatic sweet bread recipe, which will bring joy to your home and make the holidays truly special. Enjoy your meal!