Povitica Polish Holiday Bread Recipe ๐
Overview:
Povitica, a traditional sweet Christmas bread enjoyed in both Poland and Austria, brings the essence of the holiday season to your kitchen. Delightfully infused with fruit and nuts, this Polish version of Povitica is a cherished treat that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family moments by the fireplace. With its rich aroma and sumptuous flavors, this bread embodies the heartwarming spirit of the holidays.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 Loaves
- Calories: 4140
- Fat Content: 256.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 40.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 480.8mg
- Sodium Content: 2629.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 413.1g
- Fiber Content: 31.7g
- Sugar Content: 143.9g
- Protein Content: 72.4g
Ingredients:
| For the Sweet Dough: | |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups milk | 2 cups flour |
| 1/2 cup sugar | 7 1/2 – 8 cups flour |
| 2 teaspoons salt | 1 cup evaporated milk |
| 2 eggs | 1 cup sugar |
| 1/4 cup butter | 1 cup margarine |
| 2 packages active dry yeast | 1 cup chopped pecans |
| 1/2 cup warm water | 1 cup chopped walnuts |
Instructions:
Sweet Dough Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, softened butter, and beaten eggs.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and add it to the other ingredients.
- Gradually add half of the flour and mix until smooth.
- Incorporate enough flour to form a dough that can be handled easily.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size.
- Once doubled, punch down the dough and allow it to rise again until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts.
Filling Preparation:
- In a heavy pan over medium heat, combine sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine, and heat until melted.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and walnuts, followed by the beaten eggs, mixing well.
- Allow the mixture to boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add a pinch of salt, cocoa, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Let the filling cool until it is just warm enough to spread.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Roll out each portion of dough into a thin rectangular shape.
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over each rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle tightly, similar to a cinnamon roll or a snail shape.
- Place the rolled dough into greased 8 or 9-inch cake pans.
- Cover the pans and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Once risen, bake the Povitica in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the loaves to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of Povitica bread as a delightful addition to your holiday brunch or dessert table.
- Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Share the joy of this traditional Polish bread with friends and family during the festive season.
With its irresistible aroma and delightful taste, Povitica Polish Holiday Bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this festive treat as you create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays! ๐ ๐
