Lenten cocoa bread

Lenten Cocoa Sweet Bread – a fluffy and aromatic delight

The sweet bread is a traditional recipe that evokes holidays and joyful moments spent with loved ones. Even during Lent, we shouldn't miss out on sweet pleasures, and this Lenten cocoa sweet bread is the perfect choice. With a fluffy texture, a rich cocoa flavor, and an enticing lemon aroma, this sweet bread will surely become a staple recipe in your home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total: approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Grated zest of half a lemon (for extra flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 250 ml warm water
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (quality matters, choose a good one)
- 2 tablespoons coconut (optional, for an exotic touch)
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 ml water

For the topping:
- 50 ml water
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons sugar

Making the sweet bread step by step

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a little warm water. Let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step – an active yeast will make the sweet bread rise fluffy and delicious.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it, then add the risen yeast, oil, salt, lemon zest, and warm water. Mix the ingredients well with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. A useful trick is to oil your hands a little to prevent the dough from sticking. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little extra flour.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. A warm atmosphere is essential for proper rising.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
In a small bowl, combine cocoa, coconut, rum essence, powdered sugar, and water. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. This filling will add a rich and decadent note to your sweet bread.

Step 5: Shaping the sweet bread
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface, forming a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, tightly roll the dough, forming a cylinder. Make sure the filling is well distributed and that the roll is even.

Step 6: Placing in the pan
Grease a sweet bread pan with oil and place the rolled dough inside. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preparing for baking
In a small bowl, mix the water, oil, and sugar to obtain a syrup. After the sweet bread has risen, brush it with this syrup to give it a golden and delicious crust.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the sweet bread for 45-50 minutes or until golden and baked through. A trick to check if it’s done is to tap the bottom of the sweet bread lightly with your finger – if it sounds hollow, it’s perfectly baked.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
After removing it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow air to circulate around the sweet bread, keeping it fluffy.

Serving suggestions
This Lenten cocoa sweet bread is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a cup of herbal tea or a fragrant coffee. It’s also wonderful with a drizzle of fruit jam or apricot preserves for a contrast of flavors.

Possible variations
The sweet bread can be customized in many ways. You can add raisins, nuts, or Turkish delight to the filling, depending on your preferences. You can also create your own flavor combinations by adding cinnamon or vanilla for an even more special taste.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread is an excellent choice for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without giving up their Lenten diet. The whole wheat flour used can provide fiber, and cocoa is rich in antioxidants that contribute to health. Although it’s a dessert, it can be enjoyed in moderation, especially due to the simple and natural ingredients.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast. You need to activate it in the same way before adding it to the dough.

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh longer?
I recommend wrapping it in a clean towel and placing it in an airtight container. This way, it will stay fluffy and tasty for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the sweet bread?
Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. Slice it and put it in a freezer bag. When you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Surely, this Lenten cocoa sweet bread will become a favorite recipe! Enjoy it with your loved ones and cherish the beautiful moments spent around the table. Each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it, and its aroma will fill the house with prosperity and warmth. Enjoy your meal!