The Giraffe Sweet Bread, or “Panbrioche Giraffa,” is a soft, delicious treat with a playful pattern of cocoa and vanilla dough that resembles the spots of a giraffe. This lightly sweetened bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of a fluffy, buttery dough with swirls of cocoa creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a delightful and eye-catching addition to any table, with a unique appearance that will impress both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love the Giraffe Sweet Bread for its soft, tender crumb and the rich flavor combination of vanilla and cocoa. It’s easy to make, yet the fun giraffe-like pattern inside adds a creative twist. The slightly sweet dough makes it versatile enough to enjoy plain or with your favorite spread, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy morning treat.
Perfect Occasion:
This bread is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It’s also a great choice for special occasions or simply when you want to surprise your family with something homemade and creative. The beautiful swirls of cocoa make this bread a fun and tasty option for kids, while adults will appreciate its rich flavor and soft texture.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance its presentation, you can dust the top of the bread with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. You can also top the loaf with chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, for added texture and a pop of color. Serve the bread warm with butter, jam, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Ingredients:
- 480 g all-purpose flour (type 0)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 180 g milk
- 60 g butter (softened)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp milk (for dissolving cocoa)
- Extra milk for brushing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, sugar, softened butter, and vanilla. Add the milk-yeast mixture and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. - Divide the Dough:
Split the dough into two equal parts. In one half, mix in the cocoa powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of milk. Knead until the cocoa is fully incorporated, forming a chocolate dough. Cover both doughs and let them rise until they double in size. - Shape the Dough:
Once the doughs have risen, divide each into 9 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest for another 30 minutes. - Create the Giraffe Pattern:
To create the giraffe pattern, roll out a plain dough ball into a rectangle. Place a chocolate dough ball inside, roll it up to form a log, and repeat for the remaining pieces. Layer these logs in a greased loaf pan. - Final Rise:
Allow the assembled dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes in the loaf pan. - Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top of the loaf with milk. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You can cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking if it starts to brown too quickly. - Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the bread cool slightly before slicing. You’ll be greeted with beautiful cocoa swirls that resemble a giraffe’s pattern. Serve as-is or with your favorite toppings!
Enjoy your Giraffe Sweet Bread—soft, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!
