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Traditional Romanian Apple Raisin Sweet Bread (Cozonac cu Mere)

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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 Scale
  • 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

  1. Warm the milk and stir in 1 tbsp sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 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).
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
  4. 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.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  6. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with a beaten egg.
  10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. 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

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/traditional-romanian-apple-raisin-sweet-bread-cozonac-cu-mere/