Nut and caramel cake
Nut and Caramel Sweet Bread – a delightful and traditional recipe
Sweet bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a story filled with warmth and tradition, a symbol of holidays and moments spent with loved ones. Today, I invite you to discover with me the recipe for this delicious nut and caramel sweet bread, inspired by a popular recipe but with a personal touch. This sweet bread will not only fill the house with inviting aromas but will also delight the taste buds of everyone who savors it.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour 55 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 850 g high-quality sifted flour
- 1 cup (approximately 250 ml) lukewarm milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package of Unirea margarine (or 200 g butter), melted and slightly cooled
For the filling:
- 500 g ground walnuts
- 200 g sugar
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1-2 drops of vanilla essence
- 1-2 drops of rum essence
For brushing:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of cooking cream or milk
- Brown sugar, for decoration
For the caramel:
- 200 g sugar
- 70 g margarine or butter
Preparation of the sweet bread
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour with the sugar. Then, in a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk. It is important that the milk is not hot, as excessive heat can destroy the yeast. Add the beaten eggs and melted margarine, mixing well to combine the wet ingredients. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and knead for 12-15 minutes until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
Step 2: Rising the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 30-40 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
Step 3: Preparing the caramel
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the caramel. In a saucepan, add the sugar and place it over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. If desired, you can add a few drops of water to help melt the sugar. When the sugar becomes clear and golden, add the melted margarine and mix well until completely melted. Then, add the whipping cream and continue to stir until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar, orange zest, vanilla essence, and rum essence. This will be the delicious filling that will flavor your sweet bread.
Step 5: Shaping the sweet bread
After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet and spread a generous layer of caramel on it. Sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture on top. Roll each sheet tightly, forming a log. Place 5 overlapping logs in baking trays lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Second rising
Let the sweet breads rise again, this time for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.
Step 7: Brushing and baking
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks with the cream or milk and brush the sweet breads with this mixture. Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a crispy appearance and delicious aroma. Bake the sweet breads in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the sweet breads are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This helps to achieve a better-risen dough.
- If you want a more aromatic sweet bread, you can add some raisins or chocolate pieces to the filling.
- The nut and caramel sweet bread keeps well in an airtight container for a few days and can be enjoyed both at breakfast and as a dessert.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the 1:3 ratio (so 10 g of dry yeast for 30 g of fresh yeast).
2. How can I make the sweet bread less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use unsalted and unsweetened walnuts.
3. What drinks pair well with this sweet bread?
This delicious sweet bread pairs perfectly with a warm fruit tea or a glass of mulled wine, depending on the occasion.
Conclusion
The nut and caramel sweet bread is an excellent choice for any holiday or gathering with friends and family. With a little patience and love, you can create a dessert that not only looks spectacular but also offers an explosion of flavors. Don't forget to share it with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 sweet breads: 850 g flour, 1 cup milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 30 g yeast, 3 eggs, 1 package of Unirea margarine. Filling: 500 g walnuts, 200 g sugar, zest from one orange, vanilla essence, rum essence. For brushing: 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon cooking cream or milk, brown sugar. Caramel: 200 g sugar, 70 g margarine/butter.
