| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 50 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 25g | 5g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 6g | 10g | 0.2g |
About Gluten-Free Cozonac
Welcome to our feature on Gluten-Free Cozonac, a traditional Eastern European bread that’s similar to the Italian Panettone or Romanian Cozonac. This dessert bread entices with the allure of citrus, the crunch of walnuts, and the sweetness of golden raisins. Culinary enthusiasts craving a gluten-free and healthful variant of this hallowed holiday treat will find this iteration delightful!
Delight in Each Slice
Our Gluten-Free Cozonac is a symphony of contrasting textures. The crumbs are tender and moist, flattered by the soft chew from golden raisins and an occasional crunch from walnuts. Directly contrasting this interplay of textures is the beautifully bronzed, flaky crust, achieved by the patient brushing of rich egg yolk. Each mouthful promises to embolden your senses, giving a whole new dimension to your idea of what gluten-free bread can taste like.
A Bread With History
The history of Cozonac is deeply rooted in heavy wheat-based recipes, making our gluten-free version a revolutionary take on the classic. By carefully selecting our ingredients, we’ve managed to retain the essence of Cozonac without sacrificing its iconic texture and taste. This is a testament to the strides we’ve made in gluten-free baking, and a promise of what’s still to come.
This bread sings when paired with a warm holiday drink. A slice of Gluten-Free Cozonac coupled with a decadent homemade hot chocolate or spiced tea enhances both the flavor and the overall experience of this indulgent treat. Picture curling up by the fireside, a thick slice of this bread in one hand, and a piping hot cuppa in the other.
If you’re thinking about sharing, Gluten-Free Cozonac also works beautifully in a festive spread, perhaps alongside a scrumptious roast dinner or an array of tapas-style appetizers. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a lavish holiday get-together, this Cozonac recipe is delightfully indulgent and thoughtfully healthful – a true gem in the culinary world.
The next time you’re missing a piece of the festive puzzle, why not bake our Gluten-Free Cozonac? You might just start a new tradition in your home. Happy baking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing top of the loaf)
Method
Step One
Start by combining the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, xanthan gum, and salt in a large bowl. Stir well to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. After that, stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Then whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and pure vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
Step Four
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring until a dough forms. The dough should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a bit more warm water.
Step Five
Now you can combine the dough with the golden raisins, chopped candied citrus peel, chopped walnuts, and orange zest. Knead the mixture into the dough until everything is well distributed.
Step Six
Divide the dough into two and shape each into a log. Place each log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step Seven
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the surface of the loaves. This will give the bread a nice golden brown color as it bakes.
Step Nine
Bake the loaves for about 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step Ten
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your Gluten-Free Cozonac!
