Coconut cake

Coconut and Cocoa Sweet Bread - A Delicacy for the Holidays

Sweet bread, a delight that envelops us in inviting scents and reminds us of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones, is a symbol of culinary tradition. This recipe for sweet bread with coconut and cocoa is perfect for holidays and beyond, bringing a touch of joy and warmth into our homes. I invite you to join me in this culinary adventure, step by step, to achieve a fluffy and delicious sweet bread!

Preparation Time
- Active time: 1 hour
- Rising time: 2 hours
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 2 sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough
- 1300 g flour
- 6 egg yolks (preferably from free-range chickens for a more intense flavor)
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g lard (or butter, according to preference)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 400 ml warm milk
- 60 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Rum essence
- Grated zest of one orange

For the filling
- 6 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 100 g coconut
- Rum essence
- Grated zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons flour

For brushing
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the starter
1. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the yeast becomes liquid.
2. Add 100 ml of warm milk and 4 tablespoons of flour. Mix well, cover the bowl with a towel, and let it sit in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30-40 minutes).

Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In another bowl, add the egg yolks, a pinch of salt, and 100 g sugar. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until foamy.
2. Add the oil, sour cream, rum essence, and grated orange zest. Mix everything until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. In a pot, place the remaining milk, sugar, lard, and a pinch of salt over low heat, stirring until the lard melts.
4. Sift the flour into a large bowl, make a well in the center, and add the starter, the egg yolk mixture, and the warm milk. Mix well, gathering the flour from the edges and kneading the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
5. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and a few drops of lemon juice for stability.
2. Divide the meringue into two equal parts. In the first part, add the coconut, 1 tablespoon of flour, and the orange zest. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.
3. In the second part, add the ground walnuts, 1 tablespoon of flour, cocoa, and the orange zest. Mix well until homogeneous.

Step 4: Assembling the sweet breads
1. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into thin sheets.
2. Divide the filling into 3 equal parts. Spread one part of the coconut filling on the first sheet and one part of the walnut filling on the second sheet.
3. Roll each sheet and braid two rolls with different fillings.
4. Place the sweet breads in trays lined with parchment paper and let them rise for about 40 minutes in a warm place.

Step 5: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Beat an egg with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of milk and brush the sweet breads with this mixture.
3. Bake the sweet breads for 45 minutes or until golden and forming an appetizing crust.
4. Let them cool on a rack, then you can enjoy them with your loved ones.

Practical Tips
- Choose quality ingredients: Use type 550 flour, free-range eggs, and fresh lard for a perfect taste.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.
- Optional decorations: You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cooled sweet breads for an elegant touch.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as raisins, chocolate, or even dried fruits, to create a personalized sweet bread.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This coconut and cocoa sweet bread contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the coconut and olive oil. Additionally, the egg yolks provide a considerable amount of protein and essential vitamins.

Serving
Sweet bread is delicious served with a glass of warm milk or fragrant tea. It also pairs perfectly with various jams or preserves, adding extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, being careful to use about 20 g.

2. How do I know when the sweet bread is baked?
- The sweet bread is ready when lightly tapped on the bottom, it sounds hollow, and the crust is nicely browned.

3. Can I freeze the sweet bread?
- Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen. You can wrap it well in cling film and then in a plastic bag to prevent freezer burn.

In conclusion, this coconut and cocoa sweet bread is not only a delicious recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for the holidays or for a cool afternoon, it will bring smiles and unforgettable memories. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough 1300 g flour 6 egg yolks (I used free-range) 250 g sugar 200 g lard 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons sour cream 400 ml milk 60 g yeast a pinch of salt rum essence orange zest Filling 6 egg whites 6 tablespoons sugar a pinch of salt 3 tablespoons cocoa 100 g ground walnuts 100 g coconut rum essence orange zest 2 tablespoons flour Greasing 1 egg a pinch of salt 1 tablespoon milk

 Tags:  coconut cake sweet bread coconut sweet bread recipes goodies for carolers