Discover the Magic of Almond Braid: A Masterpiece of Taste and Tradition
Indulge in the sweet embrace of the Almond Braid, a recipe that captivates the palate with its perfect balance of softness and crunchiness. This delectable treat, with its artistic shape and enveloping flavor, is a triumph for nut-based dessert lovers. The combination of ground almonds and golden raisins creates an irresistible filling, while the fondant glaze and almond flakes add that final touch that makes every bite unforgettable.
Celebrate not only a refined dessert with us but also a piece of authentic Italian pastry tradition. Each braid tells a story woven with simple yet noble ingredients, where the aroma of almonds merges with the sweetness of apricot jam to bring moments of pure joy. The artisanal process, requiring patience and care in preparing the leavened dough to the final braiding, transforms this recipe into a true masterpiece to savor.
Let yourself be guided through the detailed steps to create this culinary masterpiece in your kitchen. Share the love for genuine flavors by bringing to the table the Almond Braid, perfect as an after-dinner treat or as an afternoon snack accompanied by a cup of your favorite tea. And don’t forget our little twist: add candied orange peels to the filling for an enticing citrusy note! Let’s get ready to intertwine taste and elegance in every single slice!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
- PROS: Delicious filling of almonds and apricots.
- PREPARATION: Clear and detailed steps for a perfect result.
- NUTRITION: Approximately 550 calories per serving, so enjoy in moderation.
- TIME: 60 minutes in total, including rising time.
- TWIST: Add candied orange zest for a citrusy touch.
Notes on the recipe’s ingredients
- Flour: the base for the dough, packed with carbohydrates
- Yeast: essential for making the dough rise
- Almonds: the stars of the filling, rich in good fats and proteins
- Apricot Jam: sweet and aromatic, perfect for the filling
- Sultana Raisins: natural sweetener and a source of energy
- Milk and Eggs: to make the dough soft and golden when baked
- Sugar and Butter: add sweetness and softness to the almond braid
- Almond Flakes, Apricot Glaze, and Dark Chocolate: for a crunchy and glossy finish
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the benefits of this almond braid, a sweet treat that not only pleases the palate but also offers interesting nutritional properties.
- Rich in protein thanks to the almonds and egg.
- Provides immediate energy from the carbohydrates in the flour and sugar.
- Contains good monounsaturated fats from the almonds, great for the heart.
- Contributes to fiber intake due to the flour and ground almonds.
- Apricot jam adds vitamins and antioxidants.
- Sultana raisins are a powerhouse of iron and potassium for good health.
- Butter and egg yolk enrich the recipe with vitamins A and D.
Almond Braid: Sweet Interweaving of Flavors
Ingredients
- 350 g Flour
- 20 g Yeast Brewer's
- 12 cl Milk
- 50 g Butter
- 40 g Sugar
- 1/4 Cucchiaino Salt
- 1 Egg
- 50 g Almond Paste
- 50 g Apricot Jam
- 50 g Raisins Sultana
- 50 g Almonds Chopped
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 100 g Apricot Glaze
- 100 g Fondant Icing
- 30 g Almonds Flaked
Instructions
- Sift the flour into a bowl, forming a well. Make a hollow in the center and add the crumbled yeast, dissolving it with warm milk. Sprinkle with a little flour and let the mixture rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix the melted and warm butter with the egg, salt, and sugar. Incorporate this mixture into the leavened dough and work until obtaining a homogeneous dough. Cover and let it rise for another 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the filling by working the almond paste with the apricot jam, then add the sultanas and chopped almonds, adding a little egg white if necessary to obtain a soft consistency.
- Roll out the leavened dough into a rectangle (30x40 cm) and spread the filling in the center, forming a strip about 8 cm wide.
- Cut the long sides of the rectangle into parallel diagonal strips, 2 cm wide. Weave the strips over the filling, alternating the right and left sides, overlapping them to form a braid.
- Seal the ends of the strips well to prevent any leaks during baking.
- Transfer the braid to a buttered baking sheet and let it rise until doubled in volume.
- Brush with beaten egg yolk and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 30 minutes.
- Apply a thin layer of apricot glaze to the still warm braid, let it dry, then cover with fondant glaze and sprinkle with almond flakes.
Notes
Variations of Almond Braid Recipe
Try out these variations to add a unique touch to your almond braid.
- Add dark chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent touch.
- Substitute chopped almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts for a crunchy variation.
- Dust the braid with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Almond Braid
If you have any doubts or questions about preparing the Almond Braid, you’ll find the answers to your curiosities here!
How can I store the Almond Braid?
You can store the braid in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for about a week.
Can I substitute the apricot jam with another jam?
Yes, you can customize the filling by replacing the apricot jam with your preferred jam, such as cherry or peach jam.
How can I make the Almond Braid lighter in terms of calories?
You can reduce the calorie intake by using lighter alternatives, such as replacing sugar with natural sweeteners or reducing the amount of glaze used for decoration.
