Braided Easter bread with sweet dough

Braided Easter Bread with Sweet Dough

Braided Easter Bread with sweet dough is a traditional dessert, often associated with spring holidays and joyful family moments. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of sweet bread with a creamy filling of cheese, raisins, and vanilla flavor, offering a guaranteed delight for any festive table. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 whole egg + 2 egg yolks
- 550 g flour
- 120 g brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 25 g fresh yeast

*For the filling:*
- 500 g full-fat cottage cheese
- 100 g sour cream
- 150 g raisins (soaked in 2 tablespoons of vanilla)
- 4 eggs
- 50 g brown sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons semolina

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar for sprinkling on top

Preparation

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in lukewarm milk. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour, mixing well. Allow the yeast to rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In the bowl of a food processor, add the melted butter, whole egg, yolks, sugar, salt, lemon zest, orange zest, and rum essence. Mix gently to combine the ingredients. Then, add the yeast mixture and flour. Let the processor knead the dough for 15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you prefer to knead by hand, feel free! It’s a traditional method that will connect you more with the process.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the eggs with the brown sugar. Then add the cottage cheese and sour cream, mixing well. Incorporate the soaked raisins, lemon zest and juice, and semolina. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

5. Assembling the bread: Sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn out the risen dough. Divide it into two parts: one-third for the base of the bread and two-thirds for the braids on the edges. Roll out a round sheet of dough on a piece of parchment paper and transfer it to a baking pan (preferably 24 cm in diameter). Pour the cheese filling over the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Trim the edges of the dough that exceed the pan.

6. Braiding the dough: Shape the remaining dough into long strips and braid them in groups of three to create decorations for the bread. Place the first braid around the edge of the pan, and place the other two on top in a cross shape. This step is not only aesthetic but also adds a delicious texture.

7. Second rising: Cover the bread with a towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This will allow the dough to puff up slightly before baking, resulting in a fluffier texture.

8. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the edges of the bread with the egg yolk mixed with milk and sprinkle sugar on top for a glazed and appetizing appearance.

9. Baking: Place the bread in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes until it is golden and the cheese is well set. Check occasionally, as each oven may bake differently.

10. Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack with the parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Serving: The braided Easter bread can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can garnish it with a little powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. It is also excellent for enjoying at breakfast or as a sweet snack between meals.

Practical tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a more homogeneous mix.
- You can replace the raisins with dried fruits or nuts for an interesting variation.
- If you want to add an extra hint of flavor, you can use orange or almond essences in the filling.
- The bread keeps well for a few days at room temperature but can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use lower-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but the final result may be less creamy.
- How can I tell if the bread is baked? You can check by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Can I make the bread without raisins? Absolutely! You can omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits.

Braided Easter Bread with sweet dough is not just a dessert, but also a tradition that brings the family together. Whether you prepare it for holidays or a special occasion, this dish is sure to bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough you need: 250 ml warm milk, half a teaspoon of salt, 100 g melted butter, 1 whole egg + 2 yolks, 550 g flour, 120 g brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, 1 teaspoon rum essence, a 25 g cube of fresh yeast. For the filling: 500 g fatty cottage cheese, 100 g sour cream, 150 g raisins soaked in 2 tablespoons of vanilla, 4 eggs, 50 g brown sugar, grated zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons semolina. For brushing you need: 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar for sprinkling on top.

 Tags:  easter bread easter recipes cheese pie easter cake with sour cream easter cake with raisins easter recipes