Sweet bread with dried fruits

Dried Fruit Sweet Bread – Delicious and Aromatic Recipe

If you are looking for a recipe for sweet bread with dried fruits that brings a touch of magic to any day, you have come to the right place. Sweet bread is a symbol of holidays and family joy. This recipe will not only provide you with a delicious dessert but also warm memories with every slice you savor.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients

- 500 g flour (ideally high-quality flour, preferably from the countryside)
- 250 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 1 whole egg + 2 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g butter (melted, but not hot)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 200 g dried fruits (you can use raisins, goji berries, pineapple, candied orange peel)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons of rum essence
- A pinch of salt
- For brushing: 1 egg (beaten)

The History of Sweet Bread

Sweet bread is a traditional recipe that has passed through generations, often associated with festive moments and family gatherings. Over time, each housewife has added a personal touch to the recipe, incorporating her own ingredients or techniques. This version with dried fruits combines the natural sweetness of the fruits with the intense aroma of rum, creating a dessert that will delight your taste buds.

Step by Step – Preparing the Sweet Bread

1. Activating the Yeast:
Start by mixing the yeast with 4-5 tablespoons of warm milk, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of flour. Mix well and let it rise for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy dough.

2. Preparing the Milk:
Place the remaining milk in a saucepan over heat, adding the sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the milk cool slightly.

3. Mixing the Eggs:
Beat the whole egg and the two yolks with a fork. After the milk has cooled, add the beaten eggs and the rum essence. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

4. Melting the Butter and Oil:
In a separate saucepan, heat the oil and butter until the butter melts. Do not let it boil, just enough to melt. Let the mixture cool slightly.

5. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, the milk with eggs, lemon zest, and half of the melted butter and oil. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms.

6. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a working surface and knead for 45 minutes, gradually adding the remaining oil and butter. The dough should become smooth and non-sticky. A trick: to check if the dough is ready, you can perform the "windowpane test" – stretch a piece of dough between your fingers; if it stretches without tearing, it's perfect.

7. Adding the Dried Fruits:
Stretch the dough by hand, sprinkle the dried fruits, and fold the dough over. Knead gently to evenly distribute the fruits in the dough.

8. First Rising:
Place the dough 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).

9. Shaping the Sweet Bread:
Once the dough has risen, turn it onto the working surface and knead it gently again. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into rolls, and braid them carefully. This technique not only looks good but also helps with even baking.

10. Second Rising:
Place the sweet bread in a greased bundt pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This is a crucial step to achieve a fluffy and airy sweet bread.

11. Brushing and Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the sweet bread with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the sweet bread for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and passes the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The sweet bread with dried fruits is delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving it with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. You can also add a glaze of sugar or melted chocolate on top for extra flavor.

If you want to try variations, you can add ground nuts, chocolate, or even spices like cinnamon or ginger to give it an even more interesting taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet bread with dried fruits is not only delicious but also packed with the benefits of dried fruits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the dough contains proteins and carbohydrates, providing you with the energy you need for the entire day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you should adjust the liquid amount.

2. How long does the sweet bread last?
The sweet bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can I replace dried fruits with fresh ones?
It is recommended to use dried fruits, as fresh ones can add excessive moisture to the dough.

Conclusion

Sweet bread with dried fruits is a simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Preparing it is a true pleasure and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your chef's clothes and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour (I used country flour) 250 ml milk 1 whole egg + 2 yolks 150 g sugar 80 g butter 50 ml oil 200 g dried fruits (raisins, goji berries, pineapple, candied orange peel) 1 packet of dry yeast (7g) lemon zest 2 packets of vanilla sugar 2 tsp rum essence salt powder For brushing: 1 egg