Sweet bread

The Walnut and Raisin Sweet Bread - a traditional recipe that brings joy to every home

Sweet bread is an emblematic dessert, rich in tradition, that combines natural flavors with festive moments and family warmth. It is a symbol of celebrations, often associated with family gatherings and festive meals. This walnut and raisin sweet bread recipe will not only fill your home with a delightful aroma but will also enrich the souls of your loved ones. Get ready to become a sweet bread master, and I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 2 sweet breads

Essential ingredients:
- 1.1 kg flour (ideally, use type 000 flour, which is very fine)
- 5 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 500 ml milk (slightly warmed)
- 50 ml oil (you can use sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 100 g butter (melted, but not hot)
- 250 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (for added flavor)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- 50 g raisins (soaked in rum)
- 50 g crushed walnuts
- 50 g cocoa powder (I recommend high-quality cocoa)

Step by step in preparing the sweet bread:

1. Preparing the yeast mixture
In a large bowl, add 100 g of flour and scald it with 50 ml of boiling milk. Stir with a spoon until the mixture cools slightly. When it is warm, add the yeast mixed with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place until it forms a foam.

2. Separating the eggs
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another. Beat the yolks with a teaspoon of salt and set them aside.

3. Beating the egg whites
Beat the egg whites with 5 tablespoons of sugar until they form a stiff, glossy foam. This will add an airy texture to your sweet bread.

4. Mixing the ingredients
In the bowl with the yolks, add the remaining sugar, lemon zest, rum, and melted butter (make sure it is warm, not hot) and mix well. Add the remaining milk and then gently fold in the beaten egg whites.

5. Incorporating the yeast mixture
Add the risen yeast mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently. Then, sifting the flour a few times (ideally, sift it the night before and keep it warm), gradually add the flour, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous dough.

6. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for 30 minutes, occasionally adding a little of the 50 ml of oil to your hands to facilitate the process. The dough should become elastic and not stick to your hands.

7. Letting the dough rise
Allow the dough to rise for 40 minutes in a warm place, covered with a clean towel.

8. Preparing the filling
For the filling, mix the walnuts and raisins (soaked in rum for 20 minutes) with cocoa powder and add warm milk until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

9. Forming the sweet breads
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a thick sheet about one finger thick. Place the filling in the middle and carefully roll it up. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan.

10. Second rising
Let the sweet breads rise for 20 minutes in a warm place.

11. Preparing for baking
Before placing them in the oven, brush them with a beaten egg yolk for a golden, glossy crust.

12. Baking
Bake the sweet breads in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 50 minutes. In the first 20 minutes, do not open the oven to allow the sweet breads to rise evenly.

13. Cooling and serving
Once they are done, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Slices of sweet bread can be served plain, alongside a warm tea or a glass of sweet wine, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a spoonful of fruit jam.

Useful tips:
- Add a splash of orange essence to the filling for an even richer flavor.
- You can experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate or Turkish delight.
- Sifting the flour helps achieve a fine and airy texture, so don’t skip this step.

Nutritional benefits:
Walnut and raisin sweet bread is not only a delight but also a good source of calories due to the nuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. Raisins add fiber and antioxidants, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other processed sweets.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Check if your yeast is active (you can do a test with warm water and sugar). Ensure that the environment where the dough rises is warm and humid.

- Can I freeze the sweet bread?
Yes, you can freeze the sweet bread sliced. Make sure to wrap it well in cling film to prevent freezer burn.

- What drinks pair best with sweet bread?
Sweet bread is delicious alongside fruit tea, sweet wine, or even warm milk.

Whether you prepare it for holidays or simply to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, this walnut and raisin sweet bread will surely be a hit. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 1.1 kg flour; 5 large eggs; 500 ml milk; 50 ml oil; 50 g yeast; 100 g butter; 250 g sugar; 1 vanilla essence; grated lemon peel; 1 packet of vanilla sugar; salt; 50 g raisins; 50 g crushed walnuts; 50 g cocoa.