Nut and raisin sweet bread
Nut and Raisin Sweet Bread - a traditional delight that brings joy to every corner of the home! This dessert, a symbol of holidays, is more than just a recipe; it is a story passed down through generations, a celebratory ritual that connects us to our roots. Whether served at festive Christmas or Easter meals, the nut and raisin sweet bread will turn any occasion into an unforgettable moment.
Before we start cooking, let’s ensure we have all the ingredients at room temperature, which is essential for a perfect dough. This will help activate the yeast and allow the dough to rise evenly.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg bread flour (we recommend Boromir brand for optimal texture)
- 200 g butter
- 50 ml oil
- 6 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 250 ml milk (warm, not hot)
- 60 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 150 g walnuts (finely ground)
- 150 g dried cherries
- 150 g raisins
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- grated zest of one lemon (or a packet of grated lemon zest from Dr. Oetker)
- 1 essence of rum
For glazing:
- 3 egg yolks
- brown sugar for decoration
Step by step, let’s begin our cooking adventure!
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 100 ml of warm milk and a teaspoon of flour. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit for 30 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt in the center. In another bowl, melt the butter in the microwave, being careful not to make it hot, then let it cool slightly. Mix the melted butter with the oil.
3. Mixing the ingredients: In the center of the flour, add the beaten eggs, powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla essence, activated yeast, and the rest of the milk. Slowly add the butter and oil mixture. Use a stand mixer with a hook to knead the dough. Continue kneading until the dough pulls away from your fingers.
4. Rising: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place (near the warm oven) for at least 30 minutes. The dough should double in volume.
5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, grind the walnuts and mix them with the sugar, cocoa, rum essence, and a little milk to get a homogeneous mixture. Add the raisins and dried cherries to the walnut mixture.
6. Shaping the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a well-floured working surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Spread the walnut filling evenly over each sheet of dough.
7. Rolling and shaping: Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, then fold it. You can braid it or shape it as you prefer. Place each sweet bread in heat-resistant molds lined with baking paper.
8. Second rising: Cover the sweet breads and let them rise for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.
9. Glazing: Beat the egg yolks and brush the sweet breads with them, then sprinkle brown sugar on top for a crispy finish.
10. Baking: Bake the sweet breads in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden and pass the toothpick test. Let them cool before removing from the molds.
Practical tip: Try to use quality ingredients, such as butter and fresh nuts, to achieve an exceptionally flavorful sweet bread. You can also experiment by adding chocolate or different essences to the filling to customize your recipe.
Nutritional benefits: The nut and raisin sweet bread is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, while raisins add a touch of natural sweetness and fiber.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast? Yes, you can use about 20 g of dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount of milk.
- How can I keep the sweet bread longer? It is best to store it in a plastic bag or an airtight container, away from direct sunlight.
The nut and raisin sweet bread is perfect served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and if you want to add a special element, you can serve it with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream on top.
Now that you have all this information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Each step will be a pleasure, and the final result will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour for cozonac, 200 g butter, 50 ml oil, 6 eggs, 250 g powdered sugar, 250 ml milk, vanilla essence, 60 g fresh yeast. FILLING: 150 g walnuts, 150 g dried cherries, 150 g raisins, 3 tablespoons cocoa, grated peel of one lemon (I used a packet from Dr. Oetker), 1 essence of rum. GLAZE: brown sugar, 3 egg yolks.
