Imperial guguluf with raisins and Turkish delight

Imperial Guguluf with Raisins and Turkish Delight – A Holiday Delicacy

The Guguluf is a uniquely shaped cake that blends tradition with bold flavors, making it perfect for winter holidays. Its characteristic turban-like shape adds a touch of elegance to the festive table. This recipe comes from a cookbook purchased in Prague and carries with it a story full of history and culinary tradition. Get ready to discover the secrets of a perfect guguluf that will delight family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Necessary Ingredients

- 170 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g cream cheese
- 4 eggs
- Zest of one orange
- 100 g powdered sugar (or 140 g for a sweeter taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet (16 g) baking powder
- 280 g flour
- 40 g raisins
- 40 g Turkish delight (or sliced almonds, if preferred)
- 30 g chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Before starting, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform texture for the cake. Prepare a guguluf pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Mixing Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the soft butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. Add the orange zest to bring a touch of fresh flavor.

3. Adding the Eggs:
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure proper blending of the ingredients.

4. Incorporating the Cream Cheese:
Add the cream cheese and mix until fully combined. The texture will become slightly denser, but this is perfectly normal.

5. Flour and Baking Powder:
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift the flour mixture over the wet ingredients in two or three stages, gently folding with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing to prevent gluten development, which can make the cake denser.

6. Adding Flavor Ingredients:
Fold in the raisins and diced Turkish delight. If you want an extra flavor boost, add the chocolate chips, which will melt inside the guguluf and provide a sweet surprise in every slice.

7. Beating the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will help aerate the batter, making the guguluf fluffier. Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture, taking care to maintain the air from the foam.

8. Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared guguluf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 150°C and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling and Decorating:
Once baked, let the guguluf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold onto a cooling rack. When completely cool, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant and festive look.

Practical Tips

- Caring for the Raisins: If you want to enhance the flavor of the raisins, you can soak them in warm water or rum for 15 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Ingredient Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced note. You can replace Turkish delight with candied cherries or roasted almonds, depending on personal preferences.
- Serving: The guguluf is excellent served with a cup of flavored tea or coffee, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon or a gathering with friends.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 15 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture, but make sure they are at room temperature.

2. Is it possible to make the guguluf without sugar?
You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners, but the final taste will vary.

3. How can I tell if the guguluf is baked?
If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the guguluf is ready.

The imperial guguluf with raisins and Turkish delight is more than just a cake; it is a true celebration of flavors and textures, a symbol of the joy of cooking and sharing special moments with loved ones. Try this recipe with an open heart and let yourself be carried away by its sublime tastes! Enjoy!