Sweet Bread with Scalded Dough

Steam Dough Cake – The Traditional Holiday Delight

The steam dough cake is undoubtedly one of the most beloved traditional desserts, bringing with it cherished memories and enticing holiday aromas. Preparing this steam dough cake is a true art that requires patience, but the reward is a fluffy dessert with a fine texture and delicious flavors. Whether you are celebrating a special moment or simply want to pamper your family, this recipe will guide you step by step in creating a perfect cake.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2 cakes

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 kg flour
- 1 l sweet milk
- 12 eggs (6 whole + 6 yolks)
- 650 g sugar
- 250 ml oil (combined with melted butter)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Salt (a pinch)
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast
- A little rum (3-4 drops)

For the filling:
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 ml milk
- Butter (a knob)
- Sugar, to taste
- 3-4 drops of rum
- Raisins (soaked)
- Turkish delight, almonds, candied fruits (optional)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Steam Dough:
Start by bringing the milk to a boil. Add 200 g of sugar to the milk and stir until dissolved. Once the milk has started to boil, pour it hot over the flour in a large bowl. Stir with a spoon in the middle of the flour until a homogeneous dough forms. Wait for it to cool slightly, then you can continue with the next steps.

2. Activating the Yeast:
In another bowl, prepare the yeast mixture. Mix the 2 cubes of yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and a cup of warm milk. Let the yeast sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Preparing the Eggs:
In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining sugar until creamy. Separately, beat the egg whites until frothy. These will add a light texture to the cake.

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
Add the activated yeast and the yolk mixture to the bowl with the flour. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil combined with melted butter (about 250 ml). Continue kneading for about 20 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If you have a little more time, knead for about an hour for an even fluffier result.

5. Adding Flavors:
Finally, add the lemon zest and a few drops of rum. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the Pans:
In the meantime, prepare the pans in which you will bake the cakes. Grease them with oil and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and flour to prevent sticking.

7. Shaping and Filling:
After the dough has risen, take a ball from it and roll it out on a floured surface. Fill the dough with the desired filling: mix the ground walnuts with cocoa, sugar, milk, and butter. Add raisins, Turkish delight, and, if desired, almonds or candied fruits. Roll the dough, shape it into a log, and place it in the pan. Let it rise again in the pan.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the cakes have risen well, place them in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, starting at low heat, then moderate. It is important not to brush the cake with yolk, as it will form a hard crust.

9. Finalizing:
After the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with honey dissolved in warm milk. This technique will help you achieve a delicious and soft crust. Let them cool slightly before slicing.

Practical Tips

- Filling: You can experiment with various fillings, from chocolate to candied fruits, depending on your preferences. A combination of walnuts and cocoa is classic and always well-received.
- Kneading: If you don’t have time to knead the dough for an hour, 20 minutes are enough, but you can let it rise for an additional hour to compensate.
- Checking the Baking: Use a toothpick to check the baking of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Serving: The cake is delicious served with a warm tea or a glass of milk. It can also be enjoyed with fruit jam or a spoonful of Nutella.

Nutritional Benefits

The cake is a good source of carbohydrates, and the walnut filling adds a significant amount of protein and healthy fats. Additionally, the lemon zest and rum provide essential antioxidants for health. Although it is a rich dessert, in moderation, the cake can have a well-deserved place in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can substitute sweet milk with almond or soy milk, but the texture and final taste may vary.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? I recommend keeping it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it, slicing it beforehand.
- What if I don’t have fresh yeast? You can use dry yeast, but adjust the proportions according to the instructions on the package.

In conclusion, the steam dough cake is a recipe that combines tradition with delicious flavors, offering a memorable culinary experience. With patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a dessert that will delight your family and enhance your holiday meals. Don’t forget to enjoy each step of the process, as cooking is an art that deserves to be savored!

 Ingredients: Dough: 2 kg flour, 1 kg sweet milk, 12 eggs (6 whole + 6 yolks), 650 g sugar, 250 ml oil (combined with melted butter), lemon zest, salt, 2 cubes of yeast, a little rum. Filling: 1 cup ground walnuts, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 100 ml milk and a piece of butter, sugar to taste, 3-4 drops of rum, soaked raisins, Turkish delight, almonds, candied fruits.