Sweet bread with raisins
Raisin Sweet Bread: An Unforgettable Delicacy
If there is a dish that brings back memories of holidays and moments spent with loved ones, it is definitely sweet bread. This raisin sweet bread recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a true tradition that connects us to our roots. With a fluffy texture and a sweet taste, sweet bread becomes the star of the festive table. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this delicacy at home, step by step!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads
Ingredients:
- 800 g flour type 000
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g raisins
- Rum essence (to taste)
- Butter for greasing the sweet bread and the pan
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the yeast: Start by sifting the flour into a large, deep bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour where you will add the yeast. Crumble the yeast and add a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix gently with a fork to form a yeast mixture. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Combining the ingredients: Once the yeast has risen, add the remaining lukewarm milk, the remaining sugar, the pinch of salt, the lemon zest, the eggs, and the soft butter. Use your hands to knead the dough until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It is important to knead well, as this will contribute to the fluffy texture of the sweet bread.
3. Rising the dough: Once the dough is well kneaded, place it in a covered bowl and let it rise in a warm place, preferably near a heat source, for about 40-50 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a well-risen sweet bread.
4. Preparing the raisins: While the dough is rising, place the raisins in a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of rum essence. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes. These will be added to the dough to give it a pleasant taste and a special aroma.
5. Adding the raisins: After the dough has risen, add the raisins to the mixture and continue kneading. You can choose to incorporate them directly or roll out the dough and sprinkle them evenly, depending on your preferences.
6. Shaping the sweet bread: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each part into a loaf and place them in buttered loaf pans. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the sweet breads with melted butter to give them a golden and delicious crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until they are golden and pass the toothpick test. Remove them from the oven and let them cool covered with a clean kitchen towel.
8. Serving: Once the sweet breads are completely cooled, you can slice them and serve them. Their taste is perfect both plain and with a cup of tea or coffee. A wonderful idea is to serve them alongside fruit jam or cream cheese.
Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparation. This will help activate the yeast and contribute to even rising.
- You can also add nuts or almonds to the dough for added texture.
- If you like a more intense flavor, you can add a little cinnamon to the dough.
- The sweet bread can be well preserved, covered in a clean towel, for several days. It can also be frozen to be served later.
Nutritional Benefits:
This sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing quick energy. Additionally, the eggs add protein and healthy fats, while the raisins are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 14 g of dry yeast instead of 40 g of fresh yeast.
2. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is active. You can check this by adding the yeast to a mixture of lukewarm water with a little sugar. If bubbles form after 5-10 minutes, the yeast is active.
3. How can I customize the recipe?
You can add various ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, or candied fruits to create a unique version of the sweet bread.
This raisin sweet bread is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, full of memories and traditions. So, put on your chef's clothes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bring a touch of magic to the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 800 g flour type 000, 250 ml warm milk, 100 g sugar, 40 g yeast, salt, lemon zest, 100 g soft butter, 3 eggs, 200 g raisins, rum essence, butter for greasing the cake and the pan.
