Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread

Table of Contents

For the Dough:

For the Filling:

For the Egg Wash:

- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the eggs and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. The dough should start coming together but still be slightly sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until you get a smooth and elastic dough. The dough should be soft and only slightly sticky but not too wet.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Set this mixture aside, as it will be the filling for your sweet bread.

- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
- Spread the Butter: Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Add the Walnut Filling: Sprinkle the walnut, sugar, and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Press the filling down lightly with your hands to help it stick to the dough.
Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure to seal the edges by pinching them together.

- Prepare the Baking Pan: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, seam-side down. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the Oven: While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gently brush this mixture over the top of the dough to give it a shiny, golden crust during baking.

- Bake the Sweet Bread: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.