Fluffy walnut bread

Fluffy Walnut Sweet Bread – A Traditional Indulgence

The sweet bread is a symbol of holidays and family gatherings, a dessert that reminds us of grandparents, the warmth of home, and rich tables filled with delicacies. This recipe for fluffy walnut sweet bread is not only a delicious choice but also a way to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen. I invite you to discover the steps to create a spectacular, fluffy, and aromatic sweet bread that will delight all your guests.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of type 000 flour
- 4 large eggs (3 for the dough and 1 for brushing)
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet of fresh yeast (approximately 40 g)
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 vanilla essence
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g melted butter (for extra fluffiness)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration

For the walnut cream:
- 300 g ground walnuts
- Egg white from 1 egg (or more if needed)
- Sugar to taste (approximately 100 g)
- 1 rum essence
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum essence the night before)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough, which will make our sweet bread fluffy and aromatic. Place the flour in a large bowl with enough space for the dough to rise.

Tip: Use type 000 flour for optimal results, as it has a lower gluten content, making the dough finer and fluffier.

Take a handful of flour from the bowl and put it in a small bowl. Add 3-4 tablespoons of lukewarm milk to scald it. Mix gently and let it cool.

In another small bowl, mix the yeast with half a tablespoon of sugar and a few tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit until it becomes frothy (about 10-15 minutes). This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise well.

When the yeast is active, combine it with the scalded flour and mix well. Let this mixture rise for 20-30 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

2. Preparing the composition
Meanwhile, separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with 4 pinches of salt and the remaining sugar until you obtain a fine and creamy paste.

When the starter has risen, add the beaten egg mixture, the remaining flour, the lukewarm milk, the vanilla essence, and the lemon zest.

Tip: The lemon zest adds a fresh and aromatic note, but be careful not to use the white part, as it is bitter.

Knead the dough with clenched fists for about an hour, occasionally adding a little oil and melted butter. The dough is ready when it becomes smooth and elastic, forming small air bubbles.

3. Let the dough rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the walnut cream
In the meantime, prepare the walnut cream. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the egg white and sugar. Add the raisins and rum essence. If the mixture is too dry, you can add another egg white.

5. Forming the sweet breads
When the dough has risen, divide it into two. On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a sheet about 1-2 cm thick.

Evenly spread the walnut cream over the entire surface of the dough, then carefully roll it up, forming a cylinder. Place each sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Tip: You can also add some chocolate pieces or candied fruits to the walnut cream for a more interesting variation.

Let the sweet breads rise again for 45 minutes to an hour, covered with a towel.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet breads with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.

Bake the sweet breads for 45-60 minutes or until they become golden and when you tap them lightly with your finger, they sound hollow.

Once they are ready, take them out of the oven and brush them again with egg, then sprinkle with sugar. This step will give them a shine and a sweet taste.

Serving suggestions
The sweet bread is served warm, but it is just as delicious the next day. You can slice it and serve it with a cup of warm milk or tea. It is also perfect to enjoy with fruit jam or cream cheese.

Nutritional benefits
This sweet bread contains ingredients that provide you with energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar, but also healthy fats from walnuts. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with about 14 g of dry yeast. Make sure to follow the activation instructions on the package.

2. How can I tell if the sweet bread is well baked?
Tap the sweet bread lightly with your finger; if it sounds hollow, it is ready. You can also check if it is evenly browned.

3. What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can experiment with cocoa, chocolate, candied fruits, or even various seeds to customize your sweet bread.

4. How long does the sweet bread last?
The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Possible variations
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try adding a little cinnamon or even some candied cherries to the walnut cream. These ingredients will provide a unique flavor and pleasantly surprise your guests.

The fluffy walnut sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a true tradition that brings families together and creates unforgettable memories. So, don't hesitate to prepare it and enjoy it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of flour, 4 eggs for the dough and 1 egg for brushing the loaves, 250 g of sugar, yeast the size of a walnut, vanilla essence, oil, approximately 500 ml of milk, lemon zest, powdered sugar. These ingredients are necessary for 2 loaves! Walnut cream: ground walnuts, egg whites, sugar to taste, rum essence, raisins = the raisins are soaked in rum essence the night before.