The day I stumbled upon a quaint bakery in Vienna, I was enchanted not just by the atmosphere but by the rich aroma of freshly baked bread. A simple loaf of Vienna bread, with its soft crumb and golden crust, caught my eye. However, as a culinary adventurer, I felt compelled to elevate this classic by infusing it with chocolate and a spiced citrus glaze. This creation is a delightful fusion perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat, balancing the subtle flavors of chocolate with the vibrant notes of citrus.
Ingredients
For the Vienna Bread:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Spiced Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– A pinch of ground nutmeg
– A pinch of salt
– Water, as needed for consistency
Instructions
To make the Vienna Bread, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. During the last few minutes of kneading, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal and place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the loaf with the damp cloth again and let it rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread is cooling, prepare the spiced citrus glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the spiced citrus glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides like a sweet waterfall.
Serve your chocolate-infused Vienna bread at room temperature, and watch as your guests are delighted by the unexpected combination of flavors. Each slice reveals the rich chocolate inside, perfectly complemented by the zesty glaze—an exquisite treat that marries tradition with innovation. Enjoy!