Sweet bread with raisins

Lenten Sweet Bread with Raisins – a fluffy and aromatic delight

Do you want to prepare a Lenten sweet bread that impresses not only with its appearance but also with its exquisite taste? Then, the recipe I present to you today is exactly what you need. This Lenten sweet bread with raisins is easy to make, and the final result will be a soft, fluffy dessert, perfect for festive meals or to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Essential ingredients:
- 250 g wheat flour (ideal for sweet breads)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 40 ml oil (use sunflower or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 40 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar (or a teaspoon of vanilla essence)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Raisins (about 100 g, but you can add more if you like)
- Rum essence (to enhance the flavor of the raisins)
- Honey (for glazing)

Ingredient tips:
Flour is the key ingredient for achieving a fluffy sweet bread. Choose a quality flour, ideal for pastry. Fresh yeast is preferable, but you can also use dry yeast. Substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a more caramelized taste. The raisins should be moist and soft, so don’t skip the soaking step.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. This mixture will provide a flavorful base for your dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm orange juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is proof that the yeast is active and ready to give your sweet bread volume.

3. Kneading the dough: Add the flour mixture to the bowl with the activated yeast and oil. If you have a bread machine, you can use the kneading and rising program. If not, knead the dough manually for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Then, cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the raisins: While the dough is rising, soak the raisins in warm water with rum essence. This step is essential to make them soft and aromatic, thus enriching the flavor of the sweet bread.

5. Shaping the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and roll it out on a floured surface. Form a rectangle, sprinkle the well-drained raisins over the entire surface, and roll the dough tightly. You can opt for a braid with two or more strands for a more attractive appearance.

6. Final rising: Place the sweet bread in a greased pan and let it rise for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

7. Baking: After the sweet bread has risen again, glaze it with honey for a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the sweet bread is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. It is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutritional benefits:
This Lenten sweet bread is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce animal product consumption. Whole wheat flour, oil, and raisins provide a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and can support digestion, while orange juice offers a boost of vitamin C.

Personalized option:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the raisins with nuts or hazelnuts, or experiment with other dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries. You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast.
- How can I tell if the dough has risen enough? The dough should double in volume and be soft and slightly elastic to the touch.
- Can the sweet bread be frozen? Yes, the sweet bread can be frozen, but it is recommended to wrap it well to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer.

This Lenten sweet bread with raisins is an inspired choice for any occasion, from festive meals to a simple afternoon of relaxation at home. Its unique taste will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and you will enjoy the satisfaction of having created something with your own hands. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, enjoy every step of the preparation, and share the result with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: For a sweet bread: 250 g flour, 20 g yeast, 120 ml orange juice, 40 ml oil, 40 g sugar, 2 vanilla pods, zest of 1 lemon, a pinch of salt, raisins, rum essence, honey for brushing.

 Tags:  easter recipes easter sweets christmas recipes cake with raisins sweet bread raisins flour yeast