Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3¼ cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup butter (softened, cubed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (if using salted butter)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
- 1 tablespoon quick rise yeast
- ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½-1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup soaked raisins (if using)
Glaze
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare Raisins: Soak the raisins in boiling water, rum, or orange juice for approximately 15 minutes. Drain them well and gently dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor or stand mixer, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the softened cubed butter and combine for about 30 seconds. Alternately add the lightly beaten eggs and milk, mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chopped pecans, soaked (and dried) raisins, and cinnamon.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the rested dough into a 12x9 inch (30x23 cm) rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the sugar-pecan-raisin-cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll Up and Proof: Roll the dough up tightly from the long side to form a loaf. Pinch the ends to seal the filling inside. Place the rolled loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and milk until combined.
- Glaze and Bake: After the dough has risen, brush the top of the loaf with the egg yolk glaze. Bake for 15 minutes, then cover the loaf loosely with foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Immediately transfer the baked loaf to a wire rack to cool. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Raisins are optional but add a nice sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for better dough consistency.
- Covering the loaf with foil prevents over-browning while baking through.
- If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, use the full 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American