Traditional Croatian Povotica: A Delightful Sweet Bread Recipe
Overview
Povotica, pronounced as “Povo-teets-a,” is a beloved Eastern European sweet bread that hails from Croatia, often enjoyed during festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this coffee cake transcends the ordinary, making it a must-try for any special gathering or tea party. My cousin’s annual tradition of making this enchanting bread has left a lasting impression on me, transforming it into a cherished addition to my own festive celebrations.
Cooking Details
| Detail | Time |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 46 minutes |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 12914.1 |
| Total Fat | 552.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 136.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 1447.9 mg |
| Sodium | 8504.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1865.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 84.2 g |
| Sugars | 1019.8 g |
| Protein | 238.4 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Compressed yeast cakes | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 7 cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 1/2 cups (divided) |
| Ground walnuts | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Dates | 20 (chopped) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with the compressed yeast cakes and 2 tablespoons of flour. Gently stir the mixture until the yeast is dissolved, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining water, milk, sugar, salt, and lemon extract. Once combined, add the activated yeast mixture to this bowl, ensuring everything is well mixed.
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Incorporate the Flour and Butter: Gradually add the remaining flour to the mixture until it becomes slightly damp. Then, melt 1 cup of the butter and mix it into the dough.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. This process is crucial, as it helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its characteristic texture.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and set it in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in size. This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
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Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
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Spread the Filling: Prepare your filling by combining the ground walnuts, remaining sugar, chopped raisins, and chopped dates in a bowl. Evenly spread this filling over the rolled-out dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
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Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough up from one end to the other, similar to a jelly roll, keeping the filling tightly wrapped inside.
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Shape the Loaf: Lightly grease a large oblong baking pan, either a jellyroll pan or a sheet cake pan measuring 10″x15″ or 9″x13″. Place the rolled dough in the center of the pan, then twist and coil it around itself, forming a spiral shape starting from the center and working outward.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place. This final rise will help create a fluffy texture.
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Bake the Povotica: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a table knife deep into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the baked Povotica from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cake rack. Once completely cooled, slice the bread to reveal the beautiful swirls of filling. Povotica can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for several days.
Conclusion
Enjoy this exquisite Croatian sweet bread, Povotica, with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, or serve it during festive gatherings to impress your guests with its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation. Each bite is a testament to the traditions of Eastern European baking, bringing warmth and sweetness to any occasion. This recipe is sure to become a treasured part of your own holiday celebrations, just as it has in my family.
