Discover the culinary masterpiece that is the Easter Craffin, where traditional baking meets innovative flair. This exceptional pastry, perfect for the holiday season, beautifully merges the delicate, airy layers of a craffin with a lush filling of creamy ricotta, fragrant almond flakes, and a harmonious blend of raisins and candied fruit. Crafted with love and care, this recipe invites you into a world of exquisite flavors and textures, making every bite a celebration of Easter's renewal and joy.
Why You'll Love This: The Easter Craffin is a symphony of taste and texture, designed to captivate from the first bite. The rich, creamy filling contrasts perfectly with the light, flaky pastry, while the addition of almond flakes adds a delightful crunch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises an unforgettable baking experience and a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for Easter brunch, family gatherings, or as a refined ending to your festive dinner, the Easter Craffin shines as a symbol of spring's abundance and new beginnings. It's also a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and loved ones, beautifully encapsulating the spirit of the season.
Decoration Tips: For a truly spectacular presentation, dust your Easter Craffin with powdered sugar to mimic a delicate spring snowfall. Embellish with a few strategically placed almond flakes or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Serve on a decorative platter to enhance its visual appeal and make it the star of your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough Starter:
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon flour
- For the Dough:
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 80 g butter, melted
- 600 g flour
- For the Filling:
- 400 g ricotta cheese + 50 g sugar + grated lemon zest
- Almond flakes
- 100 g raisins + 30-40 g candied fruit
Preparation:
- Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, yeast, and flour in a bowl. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 10-15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- For the dough, whisk eggs with sugar and salt until frothy. Incorporate the melted butter and the activated yeast mixture, then gradually add sifted flour. Knead for 15 minutes, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours.
- Divide the risen dough into two equal parts. Roll each out into a rectangle, spread with the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with almond flakes, and scatter over the raisins and candied fruit.
- Roll up the dough from one end to the other, then cut in half lengthwise, leaving one end attached. Twist the two strands together and form into a spiral.
- Place in a mold, cover, and let it rise again in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 50 minutes. Let the craffin cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Delight in the complex flavors and textures of this Easter Craffin, a pastry that celebrates the joy and renewal of the season. Enjoy!