Sweet bread like honey

Sweet as honey cake - A Recipe Full of Love and Tradition

The cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing special moments spent with loved ones. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a cake sweet as honey, perfect for holidays or any occasion when you want to impress. Whether it's a family lunch or a gathering with friends, this cake will bring a smile to everyone's face.

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 cakes

Ingredients for the dough (for 2 cakes):
- 150 g sour cream
- 130 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 650 g flour

Ingredients for the starter:
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 70 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour

Filling:
1. For one cake:
- 200 g Turkish delight
- 50 g raisins
2. For the other:
- 2 beaten egg whites
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Rum essence (to taste)

Syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 100 g honey

Step 1: Preparing the starter
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 70 ml of warm water. Add a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour, mix well, and let the starter sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, until it doubles in volume. This process is essential because the active yeast will make the dough fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the sour cream, softened butter, egg yolks, salt, sugar, vanilla sugar, and the grated zest of lemon and orange. Mix all the ingredients well until they become homogeneous. Then add the risen starter and gradually start adding the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands.

When the dough becomes difficult to mix, transfer it to a floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it comes off your hands and the bowl. You can also use a bread machine on the kneading and rising program, which takes about an hour and a half.

Step 3: Let the dough rise
After kneading the dough, place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Step 4: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then add cocoa, ground walnuts, poppy seeds, flour, and rum essence. Mix gently until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

For the Turkish delight filling, cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and mix it with the raisins in another bowl.

Step 5: Shaping the cakes
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece of dough on a floured work surface into a rectangle. Fill one cake with cubes of Turkish delight and raisins, and the other with the cocoa and walnut filling. Carefully roll each piece of dough, ensuring that the filling does not leak out.

Step 6: Second rising
Place the cakes in greased baking trays, cover them again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rising will make the dough even fluffier.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the cakes with beaten egg white to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until they are golden brown and pass the toothpick test. Remove them from the oven and place them on a rack to cool.

Step 8: Preparing the syrup
In the meantime, prepare the syrup by boiling the water with sugar and vanilla sugar. After the syrup has boiled for 5 minutes, moisten the cakes with it using a brush to soak them with flavor. Let them drain for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Glazing with honey
After the cakes have cooled slightly, brush them with honey for a sweet taste and a beautiful shine. Cover them and let them cool completely on a rack.

Serving suggestions
The sweet as honey cake is delicious on its own, but can be accompanied by a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. It is also perfect for breakfast, served alongside butter and jam.

Calories and nutritional benefits
One cake (approximately 100g) contains about 350-400 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and fats. Moderate consumption can provide energy and a dose of good mood.

Possible variations
For a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough. You can also experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate, dried fruits, or even cream cheese. Each variation will add a personal touch, transforming the cake into a unique experience.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using about 7 g.
- How do I keep the cake fresh? I recommend keeping it in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight. It can last up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cakes can be frozen to be enjoyed later. You can wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer.

Making this sweet as honey cake is not just a culinary activity, but also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Each step of the recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction, and the final result will be a fluffy, aromatic, and delicious cake, perfect to share with loved ones. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's enjoy the magic of the cake!

 Ingredients: Dough for two sweet breads: 150 g sour cream, 130 g butter, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, grated zest of lemon and orange, 650 g flour. The starter: 20 g fresh yeast, 70 ml lukewarm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon flour. Filling: for one sweet bread 200 g Turkish delight, 50 g raisins; for the other: 2 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 4 tablespoons ground walnuts, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon flour, rum essence. Syrup: 200 ml water, 100 g sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 100 g bee honey.