Nuts, almonds, and raisins bread

Nut and Almond Raisin Sweet Bread – A Recipe Full of Tradition and Flavor

The sweet bread is a symbol of the holidays, a delicacy that brings the family together around the table, filled with enticing aromas and a unique texture. This nut, almond, and raisin sweet bread recipe uses a bread machine to achieve a perfectly risen dough, and the rich filling adds an extra layer of flavor. Let’s get started and discover together how to prepare a delicious sweet bread that will impress anyone!

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the Dough
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 ½ packets of dry yeast (approximately 10 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g butter, melted and cooled
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the Filling
- 100 g walnuts
- 100 g almonds
- 100 g raisins
- 3 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Sugar, to taste (I used 3 tablespoons of fructose)
- Rum essence

For Glazing
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons milk

Step by Step

Preparing the Dough
1. Preparing the Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. The milk should be lukewarm, not hot, to optimally activate the yeast.

2. Adding Ingredients to the Bread Machine: In the bread machine pan, add the ingredients in the following order: lukewarm milk, melted and cooled butter, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, flour, and finally, the yeast. This order is essential for proper fermentation.

3. Kneading Program: Select the kneading program on the bread machine. Let the dough knead, then after the program ends, let it rise in the pan for another 30 minutes. This will allow the yeast to act and give you a fluffy dough.

Preparing the Filling
4. Grinding the Walnuts and Almonds: Use a food processor to grind the walnuts and almonds. They should not be very fine, but a bit coarser for a pleasant texture in the sweet bread.

5. Beating the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until you achieve a light foam. This step will help aerate the filling, giving it a finer texture.

6. Mixing the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts, almonds, raisins, sugar (or fructose), cocoa, and rum essence. Add the egg white foam and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

Shaping and Baking the Sweet Breads
7. Turning Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts.

8. Shaping the Sweet Breads:
- For the braided sweet bread: Take one half of the dough and divide it into two, rolling out two long sheets, as long as the sweet bread pans. Spread half of the filling and roll each sheet. Join the two rolls at one end and braid them together.
- For the twisted sweet bread: Roll out the other half of the dough into a larger sheet, spread the remaining filling, and roll. Cut the roll in half, 5 cm from the end, separate them, and twist.

9. Rising the Sweet Breads: Place the sweet breads in pans lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavor and texture to develop.

10. Glazing and Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the egg yolk with the 3 tablespoons of milk and glaze the sweet breads before placing them in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until they are beautifully golden.

11. Cooling the Sweet Breads: After baking, remove them onto a wooden board or a cloth towel to cool. It is recommended to wait before slicing them to avoid ruining the fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions
The nut, almond, and raisin sweet bread is perfect served plain, but can be accompanied by a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, a slice of sweet bread with a drizzle of honey or fruit jam can transform the meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits
This sweet bread is not only tasty but also packed with beneficial nutrients. Walnuts and almonds are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Raisins add a note of natural sweetness and are rich in iron, while cocoa brings essential antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, depending on your preferences.

- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
I recommend keeping the sweet bread in an airtight container or wrapping it in plastic wrap to protect it from drying out.

- Is it possible to freeze the sweet bread?
Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer.

Possible Variations
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try:
- Adding spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom in the filling will provide an even richer flavor.
- Dried fruits: You can substitute some of the raisins with dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, for an explosion of flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Your nut, almond, and raisin sweet bread will surely bring joy and good cheer to your home. Enjoy your meal!