This Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is a delightful treat that combines the richness of walnuts, the warmth of cinnamon, and the soft, buttery dough. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the walnut filling provides a delicious crunch and sweetness. This homemade bread is sure to become a family favorite, filling your home with the wonderful scent of cinnamon as it bakes.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 5 Tbsp (60g) sugar
- 1 Tbsp (9g) active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp (4g) salt
- 700g all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 200g chopped walnuts
- 80g sugar
- Cinnamon to taste (about 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preference)
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
For the Egg Wash:
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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 indicates that 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.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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.
Step 3: Shape the 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.
Step 4: Final Proof and Egg Wash
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.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
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.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Calcium: 6% of daily value
- Iron: 10% of daily value
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. However, walnuts provide a unique flavor and texture that complements the cinnamon filling.
How can I make this bread vegan?
To make this bread vegan, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. You can also use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw and rise again before proceeding with the filling and baking.
Can I use honey instead of sugar for the dough?
Yes, you can use honey as a substitute for sugar. For every tablespoon of sugar, you can replace it with 1 tablespoon of honey, keeping in mind that honey may add a slight flavor variation.
Conclusion
Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is a perfect combination of soft, buttery dough, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cinnamon. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone who loves baked goods with a rich, comforting flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or saving it for later, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Its versatility also allows you to experiment with different nuts or spices, making it easy to adapt to your taste. Enjoy this homemade treat as a snack, for breakfast, or as a dessert with a cup of tea!