Chocolate and walnut cake.

Chocolate and Walnut Cozonac: a delicacy that combines tradition with modern pleasures, perfect for the special moments in our lives. This dessert is not just a simple cozonac, but a true story of flavors, textures, and aromas that will bring smiles to the faces of our loved ones. With a rich history, cozonac has often been associated with holidays and festive meals, becoming a symbol of tradition and family unity. Let’s discover together how to prepare this fluffy cozonac, filled with chocolate and walnuts, step by step, to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 1 kg of sifted flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 1 ¾ cups of lukewarm water
- ½ cup of oil + oil for greasing the pan
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Filling:
- 300 g of ground walnuts
- 200 g of dark chocolate
- 200 g of butter
- Strawberry jam or other preferred fruit
- 2 tablespoons of honey

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in ¼ cup of lukewarm water along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well and let it rise for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is key for a fluffy dough!

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add 900 g of sifted flour, salt, and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs, activated yeast, and oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or clean hands, gradually incorporating the flour.

3. Kneading the dough: Gradually add the remaining lukewarm water, continuing to knead the dough. If necessary, add more flour until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands. Knead for about 10 minutes. It is important for the dough to be well kneaded to achieve a fluffy texture.

4. Let the dough rise: Grease a large bowl with a little oil and place the dough in it. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

5. Melting the chocolate: In a glass bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water (bain-marie) and stir until both ingredients melt and become a homogeneous mixture. Add the 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. Let the filling cool slightly.

Assembling the cozonac

6. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, gently knead it to remove the air. Divide it into three equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a thin sheet, about 1 cm thick.

7. Adding the filling: On each sheet, spread some of the melted chocolate, sprinkle the ground walnuts, and add jam to taste. You can use strawberry, apricot, or any other fruit jam you like. This will add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the chocolate.

8. Rolling the sheets: Roll each sheet, making sure to tighten them well to prevent the filling from leaking. Place the rolls in a greased loaf pan.

Finalizing and baking

9. Let it rise again: Beat an egg yolk with a little water, salt, and sugar. Brush each cozonac with this mixture and let it rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cozonac for 30-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and emits a delicious aroma. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, the cozonac is ready.

Serving

After the cozonac has cooled, you can slice it and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. It is also perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a snack during the day. You can decorate it with powdered sugar or chocolate glaze for a more festive appearance.

Useful tips

- Flour: Make sure to use high-quality flour, ideal for cozonac, to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Yeast: It is essential for the yeast to be fresh to obtain a well-risen dough. Check the expiration date of the yeast before use.
- Temperature of ingredients: Ensure that the water and eggs are at room temperature, as this helps activate the yeast.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as dried fruits, cocoa, or even white chocolate for a unique taste.

Nutritional benefits

The chocolate and walnut cozonac is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, contains antioxidants and can contribute to improving mood. Of course, it is important to consume in moderation, considering the calories that add up.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the cozonac be frozen? Yes, the cozonac can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer.
- How can I make the cozonac sweeter? You can add more sugar to the dough or filling, according to your preferences.
- Can I use a different type of nut? Of course! You can use almonds, hazelnuts, or any other type of nut you like.

This chocolate and walnut cozonac is more than just a simple dessert; it is an invitation to joy, to beautiful memories, and to unforgettable moments with loved ones. So, embrace the aromas of grandma’s kitchen and bring a touch of magic to your own kitchen! Bon appétit!