Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Table of Contents

- Dry Yeast: 1.5 tsp (6 g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (4 g)
- Lukewarm Milk: 300 ml

- Sugar: 80 g (about 1/3 cup)
- Cinnamon: to taste (usually about 1 tsp)
- Butter: 5 Tbsp, melted

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk (about 37-40°C or 98-104°F) with the dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the vegetable oil and the beaten egg white.
3. Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour as needed.

First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 1 cm thick (about 0.4 inches).

1. Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the walnut mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the dough.
3. Shape the Loaf: Gently twist the dough log and tuck the ends under to fit into a greased loaf pan. You can also place the dough into a round baking pan for a more rustic look.

Let it Rise Again: Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. This will give the bread a beautiful golden color when baked.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the second rise.

1. Glaze the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the egg wash.
2. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
3. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.