Cherry bread with chocolate and cranberries

Cherry, chocolate, and cranberry bread: an explosion of flavors and textures

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Are you looking for an enticing recipe that combines sweet and tart, is easy to prepare, and adds a touch of magic to every meal? Cherry, chocolate, and cranberry bread is the perfect choice! This recipe is not just a simple bread, but a true delicacy that can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. Its inviting aromas and fluffy texture will delight your senses and make each slice a memorable experience.

Short history of the recipe

Sweet bread is an ancient tradition in many cultures, and the combination of fruit and chocolate has gained popularity over time. This recipe blends elements of muffins and traditional bread, creating a final product that can be enjoyed plain or with various spreads or toppings. Each added ingredient contributes to a complex taste and delightful aroma, transforming a simple bread into a gourmet delicacy.

Necessary ingredients

To achieve this wonderful bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 700 g + 100 g type 000 flour
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter at room temperature
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 50 g sugar
- a pinch of salt
- zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 50 g dried cranberries
- 100 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g cherry jam
- 50 g dark chocolate (grated)
- 2 small pieces of Rom chocolate (for flavor)
- 1 essence of rum
- butter for greasing the pan
- 1 yolk for brushing the bread

Step by step to perfect bread

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This will help with better homogenization of the dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, sift the 700 g of flour and create a well in the center. Sprinkle the dry yeast into the well, then pour the lukewarm milk over it. Gently mix with a little flour from around the edges and let it sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for 15 minutes. You will notice the yeast starting to bubble – a sign that it is active.

3. Mixing the ingredients: After 15 minutes, add the eggs, soft butter, salt, and sugar. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients are well combined.

4. Kneading the dough: Gradually add the remaining 100 g of flour, kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Letting the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Adding flavors and fruits: Once the dough has risen, add the lemon zest, rum essence, cranberries, cherries, cherry jam, dark chocolate, and finely chopped Rom chocolate. Knead gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Shaping the bread: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan, scoring the top with a sharp knife to allow for expansion during baking.

8. Baking the bread: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Let the bread rise in the pan for 30 minutes, then brush it with the beaten yolk. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the bread is golden and, when poked with a skewer, it comes out clean.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This bread is delicious both warm and cold.

Practical tips and tricks

- Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality chocolate for a more intense flavor. Dark chocolate provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of cherries and jam.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes) and the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Fruit substitutions: If you don’t have cherries, you can use sweet cherries, blueberries, or even peaches. The flavors will change, but each variant will have its charm.
- Serving: This bread pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of warm milk. Try serving it with a drizzle of honey or peanut butter for an extra treat.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

2. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is baked when it is golden on the outside, and if you tap it lightly on the bottom, it makes a hollow sound.

3. What can I do with leftover bread?
The bread can be toasted and served with butter and jam, or used to make bread pudding.

Nutritional benefits

This bread is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, and cranberries are excellent for heart health. Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, is known for its beneficial effects on mood and cardiovascular health. Additionally, the bread dough provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

Conclusion

Cherry, chocolate, and cranberry bread is an excellent choice for any occasion. With a simple recipe and accessible ingredients, you will be able to create a special delicacy that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your tastes. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy this wonderful creation together!