Braided bread with raisins for Easter
Braided raisin bread for holidays - a charming traditional dessert
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Recipe description:
Braided raisin bread is a symbol of joy and hospitality. This sweet and fluffy dessert is perfect for holidays, bringing a touch of warmth and goodwill to every festive table. It is a dish that has historically brought families together, holding a special emotional value. Additionally, the flavors of vanilla and lemon, combined with the sweetness of raisins, turn every bite into an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients:
- 420 g of flour (preferably type 000 for a finer dough)
- 120 g of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper taste)
- 20 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 large egg (for added richness)
- 100 ml of lukewarm milk (make sure it’s not too hot to kill the yeast)
- 100 g of butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest (for a fresh aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or the seeds from a vanilla pod)
- A generous handful of raisins (soaked in warm milk and a splash of rum)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by mixing the flour with the sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl. This mixture will be the sweet base of your bread.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the yeast mixture: dissolve the yeast in 2 tablespoons of lukewarm milk, add a tablespoon of sugar, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the beaten egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the rest of the lukewarm milk to the flour mixture. These ingredients will transform the flour into a soft and fluffy dough.
4. Don’t forget to add the raisins after draining them from the milk. They will bring a sweet flavor and an interesting texture to your bread.
Kneading the dough:
5. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as a dough that is too dry will not rise beautifully.
6. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, until it doubles in volume. This step is essential, as the yeast will activate fermentation and make the dough fluffy.
Shaping the bread:
7. After the dough has risen, divide it in half, then each half into three equal parts. Shape each part into a long roll.
8. Braid the rolls to form a loaf. You can create various shapes, but the classic version is to join the ends to form a circle. This will give your bread an elegant appearance.
9. Place the loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to put a small piece of aluminum foil in the center of each loaf to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
Baking:
10. Before placing it in the oven, brush the loaf with egg yolk for a beautiful golden crust.
11. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the loaf for 30-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it’s baked - if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
12. After 15 minutes of baking, cover the loaf with a piece of paper to prevent burning the surface.
Serving and variations:
Once the loaf has cooled slightly, you can serve it plain or alongside a vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a more festive look.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, that’s perfect. Use about 7 g of dry yeast.
- How can I store the loaf? The loaf keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
- Is it possible to add other dried fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with dried apricots or cranberries for a different flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
This braided raisin bread is not only delicious but also a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in flour and sugar. Raisins provide a dose of antioxidants and fiber, making it a healthier choice than many other sweets.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this braided raisin bread will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 420 g flour 120 g sugar 20 g fresh yeast 1 egg 100 ml warm milk 100 g butter - melted 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 handful of raisins soaked in warm milk and 3 drops of rum 1 yolk
