No-knead sweet bread

No-Knead Sweet Bread – Traditional Recipe with Nuts and Cocoa

Sweet bread is a symbol of holidays, a delicacy that combines family memories and unique flavors. This quick dessert, with a fluffy dough and a rich filling of nuts and cocoa, will surely bring joy to your home. Moreover, the no-knead sweet bread recipe is perfect for those who want a spectacular result without putting in much effort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 14 g dry yeast
- 110 g butter (melted)
- 330 ml milk (warm)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 350 g ground walnuts
- 4-5 tablespoons cocoa
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 5-6 tablespoons hot milk
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 1 egg for brushing
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Create a well in the middle of the flour.
2. Add the dry yeast into the well, along with 3-4 tablespoons of warm milk. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the yeast rise for 15 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.
3. Once the yeast is activated, add the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix with a spoon until well combined.
4. Add the salt, melted butter, and the rest of the warm milk. Use your hands to incorporate the ingredients, mixing well.
5. Once the dough is smooth, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. In a separate bowl, mix the ground walnuts with cocoa, sugar, and rum essence.
2. Heat 5-6 tablespoons of milk and add it to the walnut mixture. Mix well to obtain a smooth paste.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the walnut mixture with a spatula, being careful to keep the air in the mixture.

Step 3: Shaping the sweet breads
1. After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts.
2. Take two parts of the dough and roll each piece on a floured surface, forming two rectangular sheets that are thin enough.
3. Evenly distribute the walnut and cocoa filling on each sheet, then roll each sheet tightly.
4. Braid the two rolls to form a sweet bread. Repeat the same with the other two parts of the dough.

Step 4: Rising and baking
1. Place the sweet breads in baking trays lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for 20 minutes.
2. Beat the egg and brush the sweet breads with it to give them a golden, shiny crust.
3. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature (180°C) and bake the sweet breads for 40-45 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Finalizing
1. Once the sweet breads are ready, take them out of the oven and brush them with a syrup made of water, honey, and a splash of oil to keep them moist and delicious.
2. Cover them hot with a thick towel and let them cool completely.
3. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar and get ready to enjoy this delicacy.

Practical Tips
- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, type 650, to achieve a fluffy and airy dough.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh to avoid a dough that doesn't rise properly.
- Temperature of ingredients: It is essential that the milk and butter are warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

Variations
- Alternative filling: You can add raisins or candied fruits to the filling for extra flavor.
- Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an even richer flavor in the sweet bread.
- Glaze: For a crunchy note, you can add a glaze made of powdered sugar and water or lemon juice.

Delicious Combinations
Sweet bread pairs perfectly with aromatic coffee or hot tea. It can also be enjoyed alongside vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Benefits
Sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from nuts. Nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can I store sweet bread?
Sweet bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
2. Can I freeze sweet bread?
Yes, sweet bread can be frozen. I recommend wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

I encourage you to try this no-knead sweet bread recipe, which combines tradition with simplicity. Each slice will bring a touch of happiness and comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 kg flour, 3 eggs, 2 egg yolks, 250 g sugar, 14 g dry yeast, 110 g butter, 330 ml milk, a pinch of salt, grated zest of one lemon. Filling: 350 g ground walnuts, 4-5 tablespoons cocoa, 150 g sugar, 2 egg whites, 5-6 tablespoons hot milk, 2 teaspoons rum essence, 1 egg for brushing, powdered sugar for dusting.