No-knead sweet bread
Fluffy No-Knead Sweet Bread – The Perfect Indulgence for the Holidays
The holidays are approaching, and nothing brings more joy than a freshly baked, fluffy sweet bread that fills the house with delightful aromas. This no-knead sweet bread recipe is ideal for those who are not comfortable with dough but want to bring a touch of magic to the kitchen. Our sweet bread will be perfect to leave for Santa Claus or to enjoy with loved ones. Let’s start this culinary adventure!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 2 sweet breads
Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 14 g dry yeast (or 40 g fresh yeast)
- 110 g butter
- 330 ml lukewarm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon (preferably organic to avoid pesticides)
For the filling:
- 350 g ground walnuts
- 4-5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 150 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 egg whites
- 5-6 tablespoons hot milk
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 1 egg for brushing
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. Take a large bowl and add the flour. Make a small well in the center of the flour to add the dry yeast. Add 3-4 tablespoons of lukewarm milk (not hot, or the yeast will die) and let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts.
2. Once the yeast starts to bubble, add the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Melt the butter and add it to the mixture along with the remaining lukewarm milk. Knead by hand until the dough becomes smooth. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy – that’s part of the fun!
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
Preparing the filling:
1. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with cocoa, sugar, and rum essence. Gradually add the hot milk, mixing well to obtain a smooth composition.
2. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the walnut mixture using a spatula. This step will give the filling an airy and delicious texture.
Assembling the sweet breads:
1. After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal pieces. Take two of these pieces and roll each into rectangular sheets, thin but not excessively so (about 0.5 cm thick).
2. Spread the filling evenly over each sheet and roll them tightly to form two logs.
3. Braid the two logs together and place the resulting sweet bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the other two pieces of dough.
4. Let the sweet breads rise for another 20 minutes, covered with a towel.
Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the remaining egg and brush the sweet breads with it to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
2. Place the tray in the oven and bake the sweet breads for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. When ready, remove them from the oven and brush them with a syrup made of water, honey, and a little oil to give them a special shine. Cover them hot with a thick towel and let them cool.
Final touches:
1. Once the sweet breads have cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive appearance.
2. Don’t hesitate to slice them while warm – the aroma and texture are simply irresistible!
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve a uniform and fluffy dough.
- If you like to experiment, you can add raisins or thick chocolate to the filling for an even more delicious variation.
- The sweet bread keeps well in an airtight container but is also delicious the next day, slightly warmed.
Nutritional benefits:
The sweet bread is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from walnuts. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making it not just a tasty dessert but also beneficial for health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will be denser.
- What can I do if I don’t have yeast? You can use baking soda, but the sweet bread will not have the same texture.
- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh longer? You can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Serving:
The sweet bread is served warm, alongside a fragrant tea or mulled wine, perfect for adding a festive touch to the holiday table.
Holidays are about traditions and moments spent with loved ones, and this no-knead sweet bread can easily become part of your culinary story. Enjoy every slice and cherish every moment!
Ingredients: For the dough: 1 kg flour, 3 eggs, 2 egg yolks, 250 g sugar, 14 g dry yeast, 110 g butter, 330 ml milk, a pinch of salt, grated zest of one lemon. Filling: 350 g ground walnuts, 4-5 tablespoons cocoa, 150 g sugar, 2 egg whites, 5-6 tablespoons hot milk, 2 teaspoons rum essence, 1 egg for glazing, powdered sugar for dusting.
