Cocoa Cream Cake with Nuts, Raisins, and Poppy Seeds

Cozonac with cocoa cream, nuts, raisins, and poppy seeds – a traditional recipe that brings a touch of magic to every home! This delicacy is not just a simple dessert, but an explosion of flavors and textures that reminds us of holidays, moments spent with loved ones, and the joy of sharing something special. From the fluffy starter to the rich and aromatic filling, each step of this recipe is a journey into the world of tastes. Preparation time: 30 minutes Rising time: 2 hours Baking time: 50 minutes Total time: approximately 3 hours 20 minutes Number of servings: 10-12 servings Necessary ingredients: A) For the starter: - 50 grams fresh yeast - 2 tablespoons warm milk - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon flour B) For the dough: - 1 kilogram flour (ideally type 000) - 6 egg yolks - ½ liter hot milk - 300 grams sugar - 200 grams butter (melted) - 50 grams oil (sunflower or olive) - Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste) - 4 vials of rum essence - 4 vials of vanilla essence C) For the cream: - 300 grams crushed walnuts - 20 grams butter - 2 tablespoons cocoa - 4 tablespoons sugar - 5 tablespoons milk (for homogenization) - 100 grams raisins (soaked in water or milk beforehand) - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional, for extra flavor) Preparation instructions: Step 1: Prepare the starter In a small bowl, start by dissolving the fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Let the starter rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for about 15-20 minutes, until it becomes frothy and increases in volume. Step 2: Prepare the dough In a large bowl, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps and aerate it. Gradually add the hot milk (which has been boiled with sugar and lemon zest) while constantly mixing to avoid lumps. At this point, it is important to knead with love and patience until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous. Step 3: Add the ingredients After the dough is well mixed, gradually add the egg yolks, which have been lightly beaten with a pinch of salt. Continue kneading, then incorporate the melted butter and warm oil to obtain a rich and aromatic dough. Finally, add the risen starter and the rum and vanilla essences, kneading again until everything is well combined. Step 4: Let the dough rise After you have obtained a smooth dough, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and let it rise in a covered bowl for about 1-1.5 hours in a warm place, away from drafts. Step 5: Prepare the cream In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil together with the butter, crushed walnuts, cocoa, and sugar. Stir constantly, and at the end add the raisins (which have been soaked in milk or water) and, if desired, the poppy seeds. Let the cream cool slightly before using it. Step 6: Form the cozonac After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal halves. Each half is then divided into two parts. Roll out the first half on a floured surface, brush with a little oil, and spread the cocoa cream evenly. Do the same with the second half, then twist the two rolls together. Step 7: Bake Place the cozonac in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, cover it again, and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Before putting it in the oven, brush it with an egg yolk and sprinkle sugar on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45-50 minutes. Check if it is baked inside with a toothpick or a straw. Useful tips for a perfect cozonac: 1. Heating the rising place: Make sure the place where you leave the dough to rise is warm and free of drafts. A room with temperatures of about 25-30°C is ideal. 2. Baking time: Do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking to allow the cozonac to rise evenly. 3. Baking test: If you are unsure if it is baked, you can check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cozonac is ready. 4. Dried fruit version: If you want to bring a fresh note, you can add some pieces of dried fruit, such as cherries or apricots, to the filling. Delicious combinations: The cozonac with cocoa cream, nuts, raisins, and poppy seeds pairs perfectly with a warm tea, a fragrant coffee, or a glass of fresh milk. It is also delicious served alongside vanilla ice cream or with a warm chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. Nutritional benefits: This cozonac is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the flour, eggs, and nuts, while cocoa adds a boost of antioxidants. Consumed in moderation, you can enjoy a tasty yet nutritious dessert. So, don't hesitate any longer! Put on an apron, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aromas of this traditional cozonac. Every bite will bring smiles and nostalgia, and your family and friends will appreciate you for this exceptional delicacy. Don’t forget to share the joy and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- A) for the dough 50 grams of fresh yeast 2 tablespoons of milk 1 teaspoon of milk 1 tablespoon of flour B) for the dough 1 kilogram of flour 6 egg yolks 0.5 liters of milk 300 grams of sugar 200 grams


Categories

Appetizers

Beverages

Celebrity chefs

Chef in the city

Children

Coffee

Conserve

Cook and smile

Culinary Games

Culinary School

Dessert

Diverse

Doughs and pastries

Drinks

Fish

Healthy Delights

International

Jakob Hausmann

Jam

Jamie Oliver

Meat

Miscellaneous

Over

Pasta/Pizza

Pickles

Plague

Salad

Sandwiches

Sauces

Savory

Season

Sezon

Slow cooking

Soups

Star Recipe

Syrup

Translated

Various

Vegan



