No-knead sweet bread

No-knead sweet bread - a fluffy and delightful treat, perfect for any holiday or special occasion! This recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy a fresh loaf without putting in considerable effort. Plus, it doesn't require kneading, making the process simpler and more enjoyable. Let's discover together how we can enjoy a delicious loaf, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients for the dough:
- 3 small eggs
- 10 g dry yeast
- 125 g sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g melted butter
- 550 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- lemon essence (optional)
- orange peel (optional)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts (or broken into smaller pieces)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of cocoa
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg white
- lemon and rum essence (optional, but adds a deep flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk

Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 beaten egg white
- granulated sugar for sprinkling

A brief history of sweet bread
Sweet bread is a traditional dessert, beloved in many cultures, often associated with holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. With a fluffy texture and rich filling, sweet bread brings to mind warm moments spent with loved ones. Each family has its version, with unique ingredients and techniques, but the essence remains the same: a dessert that brings joy.

Step by step for a perfect loaf

1. Sifting the flour and activating the yeast
In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Then, make a well in the center and add the dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Cover with a little flour and let it rise for 10 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts.

2. Preparing the dough
After the yeast has activated (you will see bubbles on the surface), add the eggs (2 whole and 1 yolk), the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, lemon essence, and milk. Mix with a spoon until you get an elastic dough. It should not be too sticky; if it is, add a little more flour.

3. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is important for the dough to have enough time to develop.

4. Shaping the dough
After the dough has risen, dust the counter with a little flour and turn it out. Divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. The size may vary depending on the pan you have.

5. The filling
Prepare the filling by mixing the ground walnuts, sugar, cocoa, and egg white. Add the essences and hot milk, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Spread the filling on each rolled-out sheet.

6. Rolling and braiding
Roll each sheet lengthwise, then braid two rolls to form a loaf. Place the loaves in pans lined with parchment paper, greased with a little butter.

7. Second rising
Let the loaves rise again for 15-20 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the loaves for about 40 minutes, or until they become golden and beautiful on top. Check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are done.

9. Glazing
After baking, let the loaves cool for 5 minutes, then brush them with the beaten egg white and sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a shiny appearance and a crispy texture.

10. Serving
Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing. This is essential to maintain their shape and avoid crumbling. Serve them alongside a cup of warm milk or aromatic tea for a perfect experience.

Useful tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a more even dough.
- You can also add raisins or chocolate to the filling for extra flavor.
- The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can fresh yeast be used instead of dry?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Approximately 30 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 10 g of dry yeast.

2. What fillings can I use instead of walnuts?
You can experiment with ground almonds, poppy seeds, or even chocolate. The sweet cheese version is also very popular.

3. What is the secret to a fluffy loaf?
Make sure the dough rises enough, and the ingredients are of good quality. Use warm milk, but not hot, and adhere to the rising times.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The no-knead sweet bread will surely become your family's favorite recipe. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 3 small eggs, 10 g dry yeast, 125 g sugar, 200 ml milk, 60 g butter, 550 g flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon essence, orange zest (optional). Filling ingredients: 200 g ground walnuts (I just broke them into smaller pieces), 3 large tablespoons of cocoa, 100 g sugar, 1 egg white, lemon and rum essence (the original recipe does not have rum essence), 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Mix the ground walnuts with the sugar, cocoa, and beaten egg white, then add the hot milk and mix for homogenization. Ingredients for brushing: 1 beaten egg white, granulated sugar (original recipe: 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons of milk).