Nut cream cake

Nut Roll Cake – A traditional delicacy, filled with love and memories

The nut roll is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of tradition, of holidays spent with loved ones, of the joy of sharing special moments. This nut roll recipe combines rich flavors and fluffy texture, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it's for holidays, anniversaries, or simply a Sunday spent with family, this nut roll will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 650 g flour (preferably type 550 for a finer texture)
- 340 ml warm milk (not hot, to activate the yeast)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 100 g melted butter (let it cool slightly)
- 34 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (for added flavor)
- 1 vial of rum essence (optional, but recommended for its distinct aroma)

For the filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts (can also be mixed with hazelnuts)
- 80 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- 125 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon cocoa (for a chocolate note)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add a tablespoon of sugar and one of flour. Pour 1/2 cup of warm milk over the mixture and stir until smooth. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

2. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour through a fine sieve. This step is essential to ensure a fine and fluffy dough texture.

3. Mixing wet ingredients: In another container, combine the sugar and vanilla sugar with the warm milk until completely dissolved. Add the beaten egg and a pinch of salt, mixing well.

4. Kneading the dough: Over the sifted flour, add the risen starter, the beaten egg, and the grated lemon zest. Start pouring in the mixed milk gradually, stirring continuously. Add the rum essence and knead the dough. Finally, add the melted butter and knead until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the milk, bringing it to a boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool. In a large bowl, mix the ground nuts, sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa. Add the cooled milk and butter mixture and mix well. Finally, incorporate the beaten egg yolk.

6. Shaping the nut roll: After the dough has risen, place it on a greased working surface. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Distribute the filling evenly over each sheet, then roll each piece of dough to form logs. Braid two logs together and place them in baking trays lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rising: Cover the nut rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the nut rolls. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and passing the toothpick test.

9. Cooling: After baking, remove the nut rolls from the oven and cover them with a kitchen towel to keep them moist. Let them cool completely before removing them from the tray and slicing.

Serving and Suggestions

The nut roll is delicious served plain, but can also be accompanied by a cup of warm milk or fragrant tea. A slice of nut roll is perfect for relaxing moments. You can also turn it into a sophisticated dessert by serving it with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information

A serving of nut roll (approximately 100g) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Benefits of the ingredients:
- Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, positively impacting heart health.
- Milk provides essential calcium and proteins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can mix white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier nut roll.

2. How can I keep the nut roll fresh longer?
Store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. It can be frozen, but avoid freezing it with filling.

3. What else can I add to the filling?
You can add raisins, candied fruits, or even chopped chocolate to vary the flavors.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of the nut roll?
Add a few drops of orange essence or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.

This nut roll recipe is an excellent choice to bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to your home. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!