Walnut Cake

Nut and Raisin Sweet Bread – A Traditional Delicacy

When it comes to traditional holidays, sweet bread is a must-have on the festive table. This nut and raisin sweet bread recipe is one of the most beloved, with a rich flavor and fluffy texture that will delight any lover of homemade sweets. It is said that this dish was brought into our kitchens through traditions passed down from generation to generation, and today, I will show you how to prepare it step by step for guaranteed success!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 16-20 slices (2 large sweet breads)

Ingredients for 2 large sweet breads:
- 1 kg flour type 650
- 4 large eggs
- 450 ml milk (or 400 ml, depending on the type of flour)
- 300 g sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 150 g butter (or oil)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or one vanilla pod)
- Rum essence, to taste
- Zest of 2 lemons
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 3 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g raisins (soaked in water)

Step 1: Preparing the Flour
Sifting the flour is a crucial step to achieve a fluffy sweet bread. So, the night before, sift the flour into a bowl and let it air dry. This helps aerate the flour, which will influence the final texture of the dough.

Step 2: Preparing the Yeast
The next day, take the eggs out of the fridge to acclimatize to room temperature. In a tall bowl, place 50 g of yeast and sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar. Liquefy the yeast with a few tablespoons of warm milk and 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste, then let it rise in a draft-free place until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Heating the Milk
In the meantime, put the remaining milk in a pot, add the sugar and vanilla sugar, and gently heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. It is important for the milk to be warm, around 35-37 degrees Celsius, to activate the yeast.

Step 4: Preparing the Dough
In the bowl with flour, add the whole eggs, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and mix with a wooden spoon. Then, gradually add the warm milk and mix until the dough becomes soft but not too sticky. Flour can absorb liquid differently, so it's best to add the milk gradually.

Step 5: Incorporating the Yeast
When the dough is homogenized, add the risen yeast and knead well for 15-20 minutes. It is essential to knead enough to develop the gluten, which will help the sweet bread rise beautifully. The dough's versatility improves with each minute of kneading.

Step 6: Adding the Butter and Raisins
At the end of the kneading, add the melted butter (microwaved) and the drained soaked raisins. Knead again to incorporate them evenly into the dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume.

Step 7: Preparing the Filling
While the dough rises, we prepare the filling. Grind the walnuts, and in another bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding 5 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain a glossy foam. Then, mix the ground walnuts with the beaten egg whites.

Step 8: Shaping the Sweet Bread
When the dough is ready, grease the work surface with oil and divide the dough into two equal parts. Stretch each piece of dough with your hands until you obtain a rectangle slightly larger than the baking pan. Distribute the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-3 cm margin. Carefully roll the dough and then twist it slightly, placing it in the baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Second Rising
Let the sweet breads rise in the pans until they slightly exceed the edge of the mold. In the meantime, beat 2 egg yolks and brush the sweet breads with a silicone brush. Sprinkle granulated sugar and poppy seeds on top for an attractive appearance.

Step 10: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the sweet breads for 40-50 minutes until golden. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, they are ready. After baking, let the sweet breads cool slightly in the pan, then remove them and place them on a rack.

Useful Tips:
- Keeping the ingredients at room temperature is essential for even rising.
- Make sure not to open the oven in the first 20-25 minutes of baking to allow the sweet bread to rise properly.
- If you want an extra flavor, you can add a splash of rum essence to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why didn’t my sweet bread rise?
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the dough had enough time to rise in a warm place.

2. Can I use a different type of filling?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, poppy seeds, or jams to create delicious variations.

The sweet bread can be served plain or alongside a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee. It can also make a wonderful gift for loved ones, offering a personal and traditional touch. So, get ready to delight your friends and family with an unforgettable delicacy! Good luck in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: for 2 large sweet breads 1 kg flour 4 eggs 450 ml milk (or 400 depending on the flour) 300 g sugar 50 g fresh yeast 150 g butter (or oil) 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or one vanilla pod) rum essence zest from 2 lemons a pinch of salt Filling: 600 g ground walnuts 3 egg whites 5 tablespoons sugar Additionally: 300 g raisins

 Tags:  walnut cake