Transylvanian sweet bread with wine

Transylvanian sweet bread with wine – a traditional recipe, full of flavors and history, that takes us back in time to our grandparents' festive tables. This sweet bread is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Let's embark together on the preparation of this delicious sweet bread, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total: 2 hours including rising
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 250 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 3 eggs (2 yolks and 1 whole egg for brushing)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 200 g sugar
- 70 ml white wine (preferably dry)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 essence of rum
- A pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 3 egg whites
- 1 essence of rum
- Turkish delight (cut into small cubes)
- Raisins (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Step 1: Prepare the yeast

Start by preparing the yeast, which will give that distinct flavor to the sweet bread. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a little warm milk (about 50 ml), a teaspoon of sugar, and two tablespoons of flour. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, place the flour and add a pinch of salt, sugar, lemon zest, and rum essence. In the center of the flour, pour in the risen yeast, the remaining warm milk, the whisked yolks, and the warm wine. Mix everything until the ingredients are well combined.

Here’s a tip: if you want a less sticky dough, gradually add the warm oil and knead until the dough comes away from your hands. This step will take about 10-15 minutes, but your patience will be rewarded with a fluffy and fragrant sweet bread.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size. You can check if the dough is ready by gently pressing a section; if it springs back, it’s perfect.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Whip the egg whites until stiff, then fold them into the ground walnuts. Incorporate the sugar, rum essence, raisins, and cubed Turkish delight. If the walnuts seem too dry, add a little milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Add the cocoa powder at the end for an intense flavor and beautiful color.

Step 5: Shape the sweet breads

Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 2 cm margin on each side.

Rolling is key! Roll the dough tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place each sweet bread in baking trays lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Second rising

Beat the remaining egg and brush the sweet breads on top. Let them rise in the tray, covered with a towel, for another 15 minutes. This second rising will make the sweet breads even fluffier.

Step 7: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. The sweet breads are ready for the oven! Bake them for 45-50 minutes or until they turn golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Syrup

When the sweet breads are almost done, prepare a syrup from water, oil, and sugar. Brush the sweet breads with this syrup as soon as you take them out of the oven to give them a nice shine and keep them moist.

Step 9: Serving

Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look. You can serve them with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, or even with a sweet wine for a perfect combination. These sweet breads are great for holiday tables or as a weekend dessert.

Final tips

- Use room temperature ingredients for better results.
- If you want to experiment, you can add some candied fruits or chocolate to the filling.
- Don’t rush the rising; time is your ally in achieving a fluffy sweet bread.

This Transylvanian sweet bread with wine is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 600 g white flour 250 ml milk 100 ml oil 3 eggs 50 g yeast 200 g sugar 70 ml white wine zest of 1 lemon 1 essence of rum a pinch of salt 2 packets of vanilla sugar filling: 150 g ground walnuts 4-5 tablespoons sugar 3 egg whites 1 essence of rum Turkish delight raisins 1 tablespoon cocoa

 Tags:  nut raisins cocoa wine sweet bread pasta recipes sweet bread