Nut and Raisin Cake

Walnut and Raisin Sweet Bread

The walnut and raisin sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it’s a family story, a tradition that brings generations together around the festive table. Its origins are deeply rooted in culinary culture, becoming a symbol of joy and unity. Now, I invite you to discover how to create this delicacy at home, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes
Servings: 5 sweet breads

Ingredients for 5 sweet breads

- 1.5 kg all-purpose flour
- 9 large eggs
- 450 g sugar
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar
- 75 g fresh yeast
- 1 kg finely ground walnuts
- 150 g raisins
- 350 g melted butter
- Rum essence, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Zest of 2 lemons (or oranges, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt

Preparing the dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by letting the eggs, flour, yeast, and sugar "get to know" each other. This first step is crucial as it allows the ingredients to integrate and form a solid base for your sweet bread. Let the ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Sifting the flour: Sifting the flour is an important step as it aerates the flour, making the dough fluffier. Use a fine sieve to sift the flour into a large bowl.

3. Preparing the yeast: In a small pot, crumble the yeast and mix it with a little warm milk (not hot!). Add one tablespoon of the sifted flour and let the yeast rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks with half of the sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Add the melted butter and warm milk, mixing until well incorporated.

5. Kneading the dough: In the bowl with flour, make a well in the center and add the yeast, the yolk mixture, and the remaining sugar. Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the beaten egg whites (optional). Knead the dough for about 40 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Don’t forget to add the raisins and rum essence along the way!

Rising the dough

6. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee!

Preparing the filling

7. Walnut filling: In the meantime, prepare the filling. Mix the finely ground walnuts with sugar, cocoa, and lemon zest. This mixture will give the sweet bread a distinctive flavor.

Shaping the sweet breads

8. Preparing the pans: Grease the sweet bread pans with butter and place them in a warm spot to prepare.

9. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 5 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it out into a rectangular shape. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface.

10. Rolling: Carefully roll the dough starting from one end, being careful not to tear it. Place the rolls into the prepared pans and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

11. Glazing: Brush the tops of the sweet breads with a mixture of honey or beaten egg to achieve a shiny crust.

Baking

12. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the sweet breads in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, turning them every 20 minutes for even baking. Five minutes before removing them, you can give them a little extra heat on top for a golden color.

Cooling and serving

13. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, place the sweet breads on a wooden board and cover them with a clean towel to cool slowly. This will help retain moisture and create a fluffy sweet bread.

Serving suggestions

The walnut and raisin sweet bread is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with fruit jams or a spoonful of mascarpone for a more sophisticated dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but the dough will be denser. I recommend mixing whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a better result.

2. How can I store the sweet bread?
The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature, covered with a damp towel, for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with poppy seed, chocolate, or dried fruit fillings. Each variation will bring a unique flavor to your sweet bread.

Nutritional benefits

The walnut and raisin sweet bread is rich in protein and healthy fats due to the walnuts and eggs. The raisins add a natural source of sugars and antioxidants, while the lemon zest provides a boost of vitamins. However, it’s important to enjoy the sweet bread in moderation, considering its high calorie content.

Personal note

For me, the walnut and raisin sweet bread represents the joy of holidays spent with family. Each bite reminds me of childhood, the smell of freshly risen dough, and the laughter around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own unforgettable memories! Happy holidays!

 Ingredients: For 5 sweet breads: - 1.5 kg of well-dried flour - 9 eggs - 450g sugar - 5 packets of vanilla sugar - 75g fresh yeast - 1 kg of finely ground walnut kernels - 150g raisins - 350g melted butter - rum essence to taste - 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder - grated zest from 2 lemons (or oranges according to preference)