Cranberry and walnut sweet bread for fasting

Cranberry and walnut sweet bread for fasting – a warm and comforting dessert, full of flavors and tradition. This simple and delicious fasting sweet bread recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every meal. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of fragrant tea or simply enjoy it on its own, this sweet bread is perfect for all occasions.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (ideally, choose high-quality flour, type 650, for a fluffy sweet bread)
- 250-270 ml sparkling water (sparkling water helps achieve a lighter dough)
- Zest of one organic lemon (adds a fresh and aromatic note)
- 10 g dry yeast (make sure it is fresh for the best results)
- 50 ml oil (oil helps retain moisture in the sweet bread)
- 120 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- Ground cinnamon (for a warm and comforting taste)

For the filling:
- 250 g walnuts (toasted and ground, for an intense flavor)
- 100 g cranberries (these add a note of acidity and sweetness)
- Rum essence (to enrich the filling's aroma)

Preparation Process

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it. In a small container, gently heat the sparkling water, then add the dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar, mixing well. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast mixture, the remaining sugar, cinnamon, oil, and lemon zest. Begin kneading the dough with a spatula or your hands until it becomes firm and non-sticky. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Fermenting the dough:
Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy sweet bread.

4. Preparing the filling:
While the dough rises, you can prepare the filling. Grind the toasted walnuts (if you haven't bought them pre-ground) and mix them with the cranberries. Add the rum essence and let them absorb the flavor.

5. Shaping the sweet bread:
On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Evenly sprinkle the walnut and cranberry filling over the entire surface of the dough. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

6. Second fermentation:
Place the sweet bread in the baking pan, cover it with oiled plastic wrap, and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes. This step will ensure a fluffy texture.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the sweet bread has risen, put it in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The sweet bread is ready when it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

8. Cooling and serving:
After removing it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Served warm or at room temperature, this sweet bread can be accompanied by a cup of herbal tea or an almond latte for a perfect combination.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient selection: Choose high-quality dried cranberries; they can add a pleasant acidity and intense flavor.
- Fresh yeast: Ensure that the yeast is well-stored; check the expiration date to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or filling.
- Customization: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as raisins, dark chocolate, or spices like nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits

This cranberry and walnut sweet bread is not only delicious but also full of nutritional benefits. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health, and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, being a fasting dessert, it is an excellent choice for those looking to avoid animal products.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the sweet bread will be different.

- How can I keep the sweet bread fresh?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness.

Recipe Variations

To add a personal touch, you can try replacing cranberries with other dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes. You can also add some ground Brazil nuts or almonds for a different texture.

This cranberry and walnut sweet bread recipe is not just a dessert, but also a way to bring the family together around the table. Try this simple and delicious recipe and enjoy the flavors and beautiful moments with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 250-270 ml sparkling water, grated zest of one organic lemon, 10 g dry yeast, cinnamon powder, 50 ml oil, 120 g sugar, For the filling: 250 g walnuts, 100 g cranberries, rum essence

 Tags:  desert sweet bread flour water oil sugar nut cranberries lenten sweet bread recipes fasting cake budget-friendly fasting recipes