Lenten sweet bread with Turkish delight and dried cranberries

Vegan sweet bread with Turkish delight and dried cranberries - a traditional delight, perfect for holidays or moments of indulgence! This sweet bread is not just a recipe, but a story full of flavor and tradition, bringing family together around a warm meal. Whether you serve this sweet bread with a cup of tea or coffee, you will bring joy and beautiful memories to your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 slices

Ingredients:
- 1200 g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 400 g granulated sugar
- 600 ml lukewarm water
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1 packet dried lemon zest
- 100 g dried cranberries
- 500 g Turkish delight
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
- 1-3 tablespoons water for brushing the sweet bread

Recipe story:
The sweet bread is a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition, present in many cultures in different forms. Over time, it has evolved from a simple bread dough into the famous sweet treats we know today. This recipe for vegan sweet bread with Turkish delight and dried cranberries is a delicious option, ideal for those who want to enjoy a festive meal without including animal-derived ingredients.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, creating a well in the center. This is where we will activate the yeast. Crumble the fresh yeast into this well, sprinkle the Himalayan salt, and add a tablespoon of sugar. Then, pour lukewarm water over the yeast. The grated lemon zest will add a subtle fragrance, so don’t skip it! Gently mix with a spoon to dissolve the yeast and let it rise for about 15 minutes.

2. Kneading the dough:
Once the yeast starts bubbling, bring the flour from the edges to the center. Use your hands to mix and incorporate all the flour. Knead the dough, drizzling in the oil in a thin stream, until you achieve an elastic and smooth dough. It should be easy to work with, and the oil will help achieve a fine texture. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour and a half in a warm place.

3. Preparing the baking trays:
Grease 3 trays well with oil to prevent the sweet breads from sticking. Preheat the oven to 190°C, so it’s ready to receive your delights.

4. Filling and shaping:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out one part of the dough. Place pieces of Turkish delight and dried cranberries all over the surface. These ingredients not only add a sweet-tart flavor but also an interesting texture. Carefully roll the dough from one edge to the other, forming a log. Place the log in the prepared tray and repeat the process with the other parts of the dough.

5. Second rising:
Cover the trays with a towel and let them rise again for 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy sweet bread.

6. Baking:
Place the trays in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After 40 minutes, take them out and brush the sweet breads with water, then sprinkle granulated sugar on top. This will form a delicious crust. Reduce the oven temperature to 165°C and bake the sweet breads for another 20 minutes.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once the sweet breads are done, take them out of the oven and trays, then let them cool covered with a clean towel. This will help retain moisture and achieve a soft texture. Once completely cooled, the slices can be served with a fragrant tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Practical tips:
- Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can vary the filling by adding chopped nuts or vegan chocolate for another flavor dimension.
- When serving, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa on the slices of sweet bread for an extra aroma and appealing appearance.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the sweet bread will have a different, denser texture. I recommend mixing all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more balanced result.

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
You can wrap it in cling film or place it in a plastic bag and keep it at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it perfect for vegans and for those observing fasting.

4. What drinks pair well with the sweet bread?
Herbal tea, white wine, or fragrant coffee are excellent choices that complement the sweet flavor of the sweet bread.

This vegan sweet bread with Turkish delight and dried cranberries is not just a recipe, but a way to bring joy and warmth into your life and that of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it at a festive meal or simply as a sweet dessert, it is certainly an inspired choice!