Nut and cocoa bread

Nut and Cocoa Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 3 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 sweet breads

The sweet bread is a symbol of culinary traditions, often associated with holidays and joyful moments spent with loved ones. This nut and cocoa sweet bread recipe is easy to make, and the result is a fluffy, aromatic dessert full of flavor that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg wheat flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

*For the filling:*
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 5 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- Rum essence (to taste)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the flour is sifted so that it is lump-free. The milk should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it. The lemon and orange zest adds a wonderful citrus aroma that will enhance the flavor of the sweet bread.

Step 2: Preparing the yeast starter

In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar until it becomes a smooth paste. Add 3 tablespoons of warm milk and a tablespoon of flour, mixing gently. This is our yeast starter, which will make the dough rise. Let the starter rise for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. There, add the activated yeast, a pinch of salt, the warm milk (which has been flavored with the lemon and orange zest and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar), and the egg yolks mixed with sugar. Knead the dough vigorously for about 30 minutes. While doing this, do not forget to grease your hands with butter to help incorporate it into the dough. The dough should become elastic and smooth.

After kneading, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour. The dough should double in volume.

Step 4: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Beat the egg whites until foamy with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the 100 g of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm foam. In another bowl, combine the ground walnuts with the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and rum essence. Then, add the beaten egg whites and mix gently, being careful not to lose the airiness of the foam.

Step 5: Shaping the sweet breads

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out each portion of dough with a rolling pin, forming a thin disc. Evenly distribute a quarter of the walnut and cocoa mixture over each sheet of dough. Roll each sheet tightly, then braid two rolls together to form a sweet bread.

Step 6: Final rising and baking

Prepare the sweet bread molds by placing parchment paper and lightly greasing with oil. Place the sweet breads in the molds and let them rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm place.

Before baking, beat an egg with a teaspoon of sugar and brush each sweet bread with the mixture obtained. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the sweet breads for about an hour, being careful not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to prevent them from collapsing.

Step 7: Cooling and serving

The sweet breads are ready when they turn golden, and a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After removing them from the oven, sprinkle them with a little water and let them cool on a rack.

Practical tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to facilitate the kneading and rising process.
- The sweet bread can be served plain, but it is also delicious alongside a cup of warm milk or tea.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include some raisins or chocolate pieces in the filling.

Nutritional information:

This nut and cocoa sweet bread is rich in proteins and healthy fats due to the walnuts, but it also contains a considerable amount of carbohydrates from the sugar and flour. By consuming this dessert in moderation, you can enjoy its delicious flavors without compromising your diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 20 g of dry yeast for this recipe.

2. How long does the sweet bread last?
The sweet bread stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

3. Can I replace the walnuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can replace the walnuts with ground almonds or chocolate for a different taste.

4. What other recipes can be made with the same dough?
This dough can be used to make various types of bread or buns, or even for a sweet version of cinnamon rolls.

I wish you much success in preparing this nut and cocoa sweet bread! It will surely become a beloved recipe in your kitchen, bringing smiles and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.