Cocoa Easter Bread

Cocoa Pasca - A Traditional Delight

Cocoa pasca is a dessert that evokes traditions and festive joys. This recipe, with a fluffy dough and a decadent filling, is perfect for enjoying with loved ones, whether you prepare it for Easter or any other special occasion. Throughout this guide, I will share not only the necessary steps to achieve a delicious pasca but also some tips and tricks that will help you turn this recipe into a true success in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Necessary ingredients

For the dough (sufficient for 10 pasca):
- 2 kg of flour
- 10 eggs
- 300 ml of oil
- 1 l of milk
- 500 g of sugar
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast
- Vanilla sugar, to taste (approximately 2 sachets)

For the filling (sufficient for 4 pasca):
- 2 kg of sour cream
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- Raisins (approximately 200 g, soaked in brandy overnight)
- 3 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 6 eggs
- 400 g of powdered sugar
- 100 g of cocoa

History of the recipe

Pasca is a dessert that, over time, has become a symbol of holidays and family gatherings. Its origins are believed to be rooted in religious traditions, associated with the celebration of the Resurrection. Each housewife has her own version, and today I will present a cocoa variant that will add a touch of chocolate and an unmistakable flavor.

Step by step preparation

1. Preparing the yeast

- In a small bowl, dissolve 2 cubes of fresh yeast in 100 ml of warm water (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast). Add a tablespoon of flour and mix gently.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15-20 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough

- In a pot, heat 1 l of milk and add 500 g of sugar. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat 10 eggs with a pinch of salt and add the oil. Mix well.
- Add the risen yeast to the egg mixture, then pour in the warm milk. Start gradually incorporating the flour, mixing with a spatula or with your hands, until the dough becomes homogeneous.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the filling

- In a bowl, mix 2 kg of sour cream with 2 packets of vanilla pudding, 400 g of powdered sugar, 6 beaten eggs, 100 g of cocoa, and 3 sachets of vanilla sugar. Incorporate the raisins, drained from the brandy, into the filling.
- Make sure the filling is well homogenized and that there are no lumps.

4. Assembling and baking

- After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface, forming a disc.
- Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour. Place one disc of dough in the tray, then add 1/4 of the sour cream filling.
- Repeat the process for the remaining portions of dough and filling, forming layers.
- Bake the pasca in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 50-60 minutes or until golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Tips and useful advice

- Always check the freshness of the yeast: If the yeast does not froth, it may be old and will not rise the dough.
- Use room temperature ingredients to achieve an even rise of the dough.
- You can add rum essence to the filling for an extra flavor.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt, keeping the creamy taste.

Serving and combinations

Cocoa pasca is often served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. It is also delicious alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, 2 tablespoons of dry yeast are equivalent to the 2 cubes of fresh yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store the pasca to keep it fresh?
- Keep the pasca in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to keep it longer.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
- Absolutely! You can add ground nuts, chocolate, or candied fruits to customize the pasca to your taste.

Conclusion

Cocoa pasca is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy to the hearts of those who savor it. With each bite, you will feel the warmth of traditions and the love of your loved ones. So, do not hesitate to try this recipe, adapt it to your preferences, and share it with those dear to you. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough (for 10 pastries) - 2kg flour - 10 eggs - 300ml oil - 1l milk - 500g sugar - Vanilla sugar composition (for 4 pastries) 2kg sour cream 2 vanilla puddings Raisins (soaked in brandy overnight) Vanilla sugar 3 sachets 6 eggs 400g powdered sugar Cocoa