Traditional Croatian Povitica Bread: A Delicious Swirled Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 package of active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup of warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 1/4 cup of white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of butter, melted
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of butter, melted
  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 2 cups of ground walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules
  • 1/2 cup of hot milk
  • 1 tablespoon of white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar and yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, salt, eggs, 1/4 cup of butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix in the yeast mixture, and let rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
  4. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
  5. While waiting for the dough to rise, make the filling by melting 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of sugar, the ground walnuts, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and raisins.
  6. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in 1/2 cup of hot milk, and then stir the milk into the filling. Set aside until the filling is cooled to room temperature.
  7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 16x24 inch rectangle.
  9. Spread the filling over the dough and roll up the dough like a jelly roll, starting from the long side. Twist the roll 2 or 3 times to seal the edges, and then fit the roll into the prepared baking dish.
  10. In a small bowl, beat together 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the loaf.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 1 hour. When the loaf is done, remove it from the oven, and let it cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of nut for the filling, such as almonds or pecans
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added flavor
  • Substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture
  • Replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
  • Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese or Nutella before spreading the filling
  • Make a savory version by using a filling with cooked ground meat, onions, and spices
  • Add a drizzle of icing or glaze on top of the baked povitica for a sweeter finish
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend
  • Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom or ginger
  • Make a vegan version by using plant-based milk, replacing the eggs with a substitute, and using margarine instead of butter

Recipe overview

Povitica is a traditional Eastern European dessert that's sure to impress your guests. It's a sweet bread, swirled with a delicious filling of ground walnuts, sugar, butter, cocoa, cinnamon, raisins, and a surprising twist of instant coffee dissolved in hot milk. This recipe requires some hands-on time to prepare the yeast dough and the filling, but the steps are straightforward and manageable if you take them one at a time. The dough needs to rise for about an hour, and then it's rolled out and spread with the filling. After being rolled up and twisted, it's brushed with a sweet egg wash and baked until golden. The result is a beautifully swirled loaf that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon tea. Even if you're new to yeast breads, give this recipe a try. The process is a joy, and the result is truly delicious.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take for the dough to rise? The dough needs to rise until it has doubled in volume, which usually takes about 1 hour.
  2. What kind of nuts can be used for the filling? The recipe calls for ground walnuts, but you can also use other nuts like pecans or almonds if desired.
  3. Can I omit the raisins from the filling? Yes, you can omit the raisins if you prefer or substitute them with dried cranberries or another dried fruit of your choice.
  4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast. Follow the same steps, but you can skip dissolving the instant yeast in water.
  5. How should I store the Povitica? Once cooled, store the Povitica in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
  6. Can I freeze Povitica? Yes, you can freeze Povitica. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine and mix ingredients.
  • Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is needed to bake the Povitica loaf.
  • Saucepan - Use a saucepan to melt butter and prepare the filling.
  • Rolling pin - A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough into a rectangle.
  • Wire rack - After baking, cool the Povitica loaf on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Pastry brush - Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash mixture over the loaf before baking.

Origin stories

Povitica, a traditional Croatian dessert, has a rich history that stretches back centuries. This beautifully swirled bread was once reserved for high holidays and special occasions, often made by the matriarch of the family who would pass on the treasured recipe to her daughters and granddaughters, creating a lineage of baking. Each roll of Povitica carries a story of its own, from the hands that kneaded the dough to the family gatherings it graced. This bread is not just a delightful treat, but a testament to the Croatian tradition of honoring celebrations with meticulously crafted delicacies. Today, it's enjoyed far beyond the borders of Croatia, beloved for its intricate layers and sweet, nutty flavor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.