Braided sweet bread with Turkish delight

Twisted Cake with Turkish Delight – An Unforgettable Delicacy

Today we present you a special recipe for twisted cake with Turkish delight, perfect for any celebration or special moment. This recipe is a tribute to culinary traditions and will surely add a burst of flavor to your table. We invite you to discover each step of this recipe, which combines the nostalgic flavors of childhood with the pleasure of having a delicious dessert on the table.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Your ingredients for a perfect cake:

For the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour (preferably high-protein for better texture)
- 5 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 20 g dry yeast)
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 500 ml milk (warmed, but not hot)
- 8 tablespoons sunflower oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (for a fresh aroma)

For the filling:
- 500 g Turkish delight, cut into cubes (use quality Turkish delight for an intense flavor)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

A bit of history:
The cake is a traditional dish, especially associated with holidays like Christmas and Easter. Every family has the chance to leave their personal touch on this dessert by adding specific ingredients or techniques. The twisted cake with Turkish delight is a delicious variant, perfect for those who love aromatic and fluffy sweets.

Step by step for an unforgettable cake:

1. Preparing the starter:
Start by making the starter. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and a handful of flour, then add 100 ml of warm milk. Mix well and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add the starter and the egg yolks one by one, sprinkling a pinch of salt (as your grandma taught you, to keep the yolks yellow). Add the whole egg, then begin to knead, gradually adding the warm milk, sugar, vanilla, oil, and grated lemon zest.

3. Kneading:
Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a white cotton towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, beat the 4 egg whites until foamy, then add the sugar and ground nuts (if desired). This will add a crunchy texture and delicious taste to your cake.

5. Dividing and rolling out the dough:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide it into four equal parts, handling it as little as possible. Use a rolling pin lightly oiled to roll out each part into thin sheets (about a finger thick).

6. Filling the cake:
On each sheet of dough, spread a quarter of the cubed Turkish delight. Carefully roll the dough, forming a cylinder. Repeat with the other parts, and finally, stick the two rolls together at one end and twist them gently.

7. Placing in the pan:
Place the twisted cake in a greased pan. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 15 minutes to fill with air.

8. Baking:
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. When ready, brush the cake with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test (when inserted, it should come out clean).

9. Cooling:
After baking, remove the cake from the pan and cover it with a towel. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even and well-risen dough.
- You can also add other fillings, such as ground nuts or chocolate, to vary the flavor of the cake.
- If you want a more intense aroma, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, 20 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 50 g of fresh yeast.
- How can I store the cake longer? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for a few days.
- What drinks pair well with the cake? We suggest a warm tea or a sweet wine to perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
The twisted cake with Turkish delight provides a good source of carbohydrates from the sugar and flour used, while the eggs bring essential proteins. By adding nuts, you can also benefit from healthy fatty acids and fiber.

We hope this recipe inspires you to recall beautiful moments spent with loved ones while enjoying a twisted cake with Turkish delight, filled with the flavors of childhood! We encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family to bring joy and flavor into every home. Enjoy!