Cold risen sweet bread

Cold-Raised Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delight

Sweet bread is a symbol of celebrations and moments spent with loved ones. With a rich history and a variety of fillings, this treat is often associated with joy and family tradition. The recipe I’ll share with you today is one that I lovingly prepare, inspired by my mother's recipes but with a modern twist: cold rising. This method results in a more flavorful and fluffier dough, while significantly reducing the time spent in the kitchen.

Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling and baking time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours (1 night in the refrigerator)
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1.5 kg flour
- 750 ml milk
- 70-80 g fresh yeast
- 500 g sugar (plus extra sugar for sprinkling on top)
- 8 eggs (separated)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 300 g butter (melted but not hot)

For the filling (choose your favorites):
- Ground walnuts
- Raisins
- Cranberries
- Cocoa
- Finetti

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Preparing the Dough

1. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate the ingredients and prevent lumps in the dough.

2. Scalding the flour: In a small bowl, place 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Boil 150 ml of milk until it reaches a boiling point, then pour it over the flour in the bowl. Mix well to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is warm.

3. Activating the yeast: Add the crumbled yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the scalded flour mixture. Mix well to dissolve the yeast. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the egg yolks: In another bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat them with salt, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, oil, rum, and the zest of the lemon and orange. Add 100 g of melted butter (not hot) and mix well.

5. Making the dough: In one of the bowls with flour, make a well in the center and pour in the risen yeast mixture, the egg yolks, and the remaining warm milk. Mix with a mixer (or by hand, if you have time) until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

6. Kneading: Melt the remaining butter and, as you knead the dough, gradually add it in. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Shaping and Baking the Sweet Bread

7. Second rising: In the morning, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

8. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into 3-4 equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle.

9. Filling: Choose different fillings for each sweet bread. You can fill one with walnuts and raisins, another with cocoa and cranberries, or even with Finetti for a decadent taste. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

10. Rolling: Roll the dough tightly and place it in baking trays lined with parchment paper. Allow the sweet breads to rise for another 30 minutes.

11. Brushing: Mix an egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the surface of the sweet breads. Sprinkle sugar over each loaf for a delicious caramelized finish.

12. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the sweet breads for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

13. Cooling: Remove the sweet breads from the oven and cover them with a towel to keep them soft. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Helpful Tips

- Ingredient balance: Use ingredients at room temperature for even fermentation.
- Cold rising: This method not only reduces cooking time but also intensifies flavors. The dough will improve overnight in the refrigerator.
- Filling variations: Experiment with different fillings or flavor combinations – feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an even richer taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet bread, especially when made with natural ingredients, can provide a significant caloric intake, but it is also rich in protein due to the eggs and nuts. It contains carbohydrates from the flour, which provide energy. Cranberries add an extra boost of antioxidants, while walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet bread is delightful enjoyed on its own, but it can also be served with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. Additionally, try it with fruit preserves or a spoonful of cream cheese for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but make sure to adjust the liquid amount since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

2. Why should I use fresh yeast?
Fresh yeast provides a deeper flavor and fluffier texture, but you can also use dry yeast, adjusting the amount accordingly.

3. How long can I keep the sweet bread?
Sweet bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for 3-5 days. It can be frozen for long-term storage.

This cold-raised sweet bread is not just a recipe but a tradition that you can share with family and friends. Experiment with fillings and flavors, and above all, enjoy every step of the cooking process. No matter the occasion, sweet bread will always bring warmth and joy to your life!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg flour 500 g sugar + for sprinkling on top 750 ml milk 70-80 g fresh yeast 8 eggs 1 1/2 tsp salt grated lemon and orange zest 1 tablespoon rum 2-3 tablespoons oil 300 g butter filling: walnuts, raisins, cranberries or anything you desire 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons milk for brushing

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