Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 200ml lukewarm milk
• 100ml 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:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 Tbsp milk

Steps:

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I substitute the walnuts with another type of nut? Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts as a substitute. Make sure they are chopped finely so they blend well with the cinnamon sugar filling.

2. Can I make this bread without cinnamon? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can omit it or replace it with a different spice like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast, but reduce the amount slightly to about 7g. You can also skip the activation step with instant yeast and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

4. How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The bread is fully baked when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 90°C (195°F). You can also tap the bottom of the loaf, and if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Tips for Making the Perfect Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread:

• Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Always check the expiration date of your yeast. If the yeast doesn’t foam up after 10 minutes in the warm milk and water, it may be expired, and your dough won’t rise properly.
• Don’t Overknead the Dough: Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Overkneading can result in dense, tough bread. A soft dough will give you a light and fluffy bread.
• Roll the Dough Tightly: When rolling the dough with the filling, make sure to roll it tightly. This will help prevent gaps in the bread and ensure even distribution of the filling.
• Adjust Cinnamon to Taste: If you love the flavor of cinnamon, feel free to add more than the suggested amount. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder cinnamon flavor, reduce the amount.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to extend the shelf life of the bread, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm it in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back the softness.
• Freezing: This sweet bread freezes very well. Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also slice the bread before freezing, so you can take out individual slices as needed.

Conclusion:

Walnut Cinnamon Sweet Bread is the perfect blend of soft, fluffy bread with a rich and flavorful filling. The combination of buttery dough, sweet cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts makes for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you serve it warm with a pat of butter or enjoy it as is, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home. The steps are simple to follow, and with the helpful tips provided, you’ll be able to make a perfect loaf every time. Plus, with easy storage options, you can enjoy this delicious bread for days!