No-knead sweet bread
The traditional sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true emblem of celebrations, filled with memories and stories that bring the family together around the table. This sweet bread recipe, inspired by ancient traditions, will help you bring a touch of magic into your home, especially during the winter holidays. Moreover, it is a simple recipe with an impressive result, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 80 minutes
Number of servings: 4 medium-sized sweet breads
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg flour (ideally freshly ground wheat)
- 3 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 42 g fresh yeast
- 110 g butter (70% fat)
- 330 ml milk (+ 5 additional tablespoons)
- 150 g golden raisins
- a pinch of salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 orange
For the filling:
- 280 g ground walnuts
- 50 g cocoa
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 150 g Turkish delight (small cubes)
For brushing:
- 1 egg
- brown sugar and poppy seeds
Steps for preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help activate the yeast better and make the dough fluffier.
2. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Crumble the yeast and add a pinch of salt. Pour in 5 tablespoons of warm milk and mix gently. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for about 15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
3. Preparing the wet mixture: Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the 3 eggs and 2 yolks with the sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well, then add the warm milk. Pour this mixture over the risen yeast.
4. Forming the dough: Start mixing by gathering the flour from around the well. Add the raisins and melted butter, continuing to mix until the dough is smooth and homogeneous. Cover the bowl again with the towel and let the dough rise for 2 hours in a warm place, away from drafts.
5. Preparing the molds: While the dough is rising, prepare the sweet bread molds. Line them with baking paper to prevent sticking.
6. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Add the sugar, ground walnuts, cocoa, and the 6 tablespoons of milk. Mix well until you obtain a consistent filling.
7. Forming the sweet breads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface, place the filling and some cubes of Turkish delight. Rolling tightly, form logs, and then twist two logs together.
8. Placing in molds: Place the sweet breads in the prepared molds, brush them with beaten egg, and sprinkle with brown sugar and poppy seeds. Let them rise for another 15 minutes.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium to low heat) and bake the sweet breads for 45-50 minutes. You can check if they are done using the "toothpick test" – if it comes out clean, the sweet breads are ready.
10. Cooling: Typically, sweet breads are cut cold, but it’s hard to resist tasting a warm slice, so don’t worry! Tear them with love, but be careful, as they can crumble if cut too early.
Practical tips:
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, you can activate it the same way, but it’s best to follow the proportions of 7 g of dry yeast for every 25 g of fresh yeast.
- Varied fillings: You can experiment with other fillings, such as chocolate, dried fruits, or even nut creams.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your personal preferences. You can use brown sugar or honey for a deeper flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but keep in mind that the dough will have a different, denser texture.
2. How can I store the sweet bread? It’s recommended to be stored in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature. It can be frozen and later thawed at room temperature.
3. Is this sweet bread healthy? The sweet bread contains nutritious ingredients such as nuts and eggs, but it is high in calories due to the sugar and butter. Consume in moderation!
Ideal pairings:
The sweet bread is wonderful enjoyed with a warm tea or mulled wine with spices. It can be a perfect dessert for festive meals or a delicious snack on winter days. Additionally, you can accompany it with a cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a truly special treat.
So, prepare your ingredients, gather your family, and enjoy the magic of the holidays with this special sweet bread! Each slice is like a warm hug, and the aroma that will spread throughout the house will make you feel at home. Savor every moment and remember: cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour - from this year's wheat, freshly ground 3 eggs 2 yolks 250 g sugar 42 g fresh yeast Dr. Oetker 110 g butter 70% fat 330 ml milk + 5 extra tablespoons 150 g golden raisins salt lemon zest orange zest Filling 280 g ground walnuts 50 g cocoa 150 g sugar 2 egg whites 6 tablespoons milk small cubes of Turkish delight approx. 150 g For brushing 1 egg brown sugar and ground
