Description
Traditional Romanian Apple Raisin Sweet Bread (Cozonac cu Mere) is a festive, enriched yeast bread filled with a sweet apple-cinnamon-raisin mixture, perfect for holidays or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
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- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Warm the milk and stir in 1 tbsp sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic (10–12 minutes by hand or 6–8 minutes in a mixer).
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook grated apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins in a skillet over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes until softened. Let cool completely.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with a beaten egg.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.
- Substitute apples with pears for a variation.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze once cooled.
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Soak raisins in rum or brandy for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg