Chocolate and Walnut Cake "Little Christmas Tree"

Name: Chocolate and Walnut Cake "Little Christmas Tree" - Lidia D.
Ingredients: 500 g flour 300 ml milk 2 egg yolks 150 g sugar 100 g butter zest of 1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon rum essence 1 tablespoon vanilla essence 15 g fresh yeast Filling: 40 g store; bought chocolate cream 1 cup ground walnuts 2 tablespoons sugar 2 egg whites

Doughs and pastries - Chocolate and Walnut Cake "Little Christmas Tree" by Lidia D. - Recipia

Chocolate and Walnut Brioche "Christmas Tree" – A Holiday Delight Here’s an inspired recipe that not only delights the senses but also adds a touch of magic to any festive table. The Chocolate and Walnut Brioche "Christmas Tree" is a perfect choice for holidays or for moments when you want to impress family and friends. This brioche is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a true work of art, thanks to its charming tree shape. Preparation time: 25 minutes Rising time: 1 hour Baking time: 30-35 minutes Total: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Servings: 8-10 servings Ingredients For the starter: - 100 ml milk - 1 tablespoon flour - 15 g fresh yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar For the dough: - 500 g flour - 300 ml milk - 2 egg yolks - 150 g sugar - 100 g butter (melted) - Zest of 1/2 lemon - 1 tablespoon rum essence - 1 tablespoon vanilla essence For the filling: - 40 g store-bought chocolate spread - 1 cup ground walnuts - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 egg whites Preparing the starter 1. Boiling the milk: In a small saucepan, bring 100 ml of milk to a boil. Once it starts boiling, remove it from heat. 2. Mixing the flour: Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the hot milk and mix well, ensuring there are no lumps. 3. Activating the yeast: Allow the mixture to cool until warm. Then, add the yeast mixed with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Gently stir and let it rise for 20 minutes in a warm place. Preparing the dough 1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, milk, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, lemon zest, rum essence, and vanilla essence. 2. Adding the starter: Once the starter has risen, add it to the mixture. 3. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough well for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy brioche. 4. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume. Preparing the filling 1. Making the walnut filling: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. Then, add the ground walnuts and gently mix. Assembling the brioche 1. Preparing the baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. 2. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, knead it again and divide it into four equal parts. 3. Rolling out the sheets: Roll each part into a rectangular sheet using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. 4. Layering the filling: Place the first sheet in the tray and spread the chocolate spread evenly. Add the second sheet and cover it with the walnut filling, then add the third sheet with the chocolate spread, and finally place the last sheet on top. 5. Shaping the tree: Using a knife, cut the shape of a Christmas tree from the dough. Make cuts 3 cm from the edge of the tree towards the center, leaving 3 cm intact. Twist these strips upwards for a decorative effect. 6. Final touches: Brush the top of the brioche with a beaten egg yolk and decorate with colorful candies for an extra festive touch. Baking 1. Second rise: Let the brioche rise again for about 20 minutes. 2. Baking: Preheat the oven to low heat and bake the brioche for 30-35 minutes until golden and fluffy. Serving Once the brioche has completely cooled, slice and serve it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It’s a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate with the richness of walnuts, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Useful tips - Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough rising. - Variations: You can replace the chocolate spread with Nutella or add raisins and cinnamon for an even more intense flavor. - Storage: The brioche keeps well in an airtight container for a few days but is best enjoyed fresh. Nutritional benefits The Chocolate and Walnut Brioche is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats thanks to the walnuts. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making this dessert a healthier choice when consumed in moderation. Frequently asked questions Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 5 g of dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package. How can I prevent the dough from tearing? Make sure to knead the dough enough until it becomes elastic and smooth, and all ingredients are well integrated. What drinks pair well with this brioche? A fragrant black tea, an espresso coffee, or a sweet wine are excellent options to accompany this delicious dessert. In conclusion, the Chocolate and Walnut Brioche "Christmas Tree" is more than just a dessert. It’s a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth to the heart. Don’t hesitate to try it and share this recipe with your loved ones!

Category: Doughs and pastries Author: Lidia D. Views: 1 Date: 05.10.2024

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