Povitica Polish Holiday Bread
Celebrate the holidays with the rich, nutty aroma of Povitica Polish Holiday Bread, a show-stopping centerpiece for your festive table! This traditional Eastern European loaf combines a soft, buttery yeast dough with a luscious walnut filling infused with hints of cocoa and cinnamon. Skillfully rolled into thin, delicate layers, the bread forms an intricate swirl that is as stunning as it is delicious. Perfectly golden on the outside and dusted with powdered sugar, this homemade bread makes an unforgettable treat for family gatherings or as a thoughtful edible gift. With its combination of rustic charm and sophisticated flavors, Povitica is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1 cups Whole milk
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 items Eggs
- 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Walnuts (finely ground)
- 1.5 cups Brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cups Whole milk (for filling)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 items Egg yolk (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F). Transfer to a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, adding the remaining 0.5 cup of flour gradually until the dough is soft and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground walnuts, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, milk, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, spreadable paste. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a very thin rectangle (approximately 24x18 inches). Spread the walnut filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, forming a log. Place the rolled dough into the prepared loaf pan in a U-shape, tucking the ends if needed. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 259.7 g | 333% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.0 g | 385% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 814 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 2779 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 794.8 g | 289% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.9 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 435.6 g | ||
| Protein | 110.6 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 1150 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 32.5 mg | 181% | |
| Potassium | 2920 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
