Nut and chocolate cake

The walnut and chocolate bread is a traditional delicacy, full of flavor and cherished memories. This dessert, which combines the rich flavors of walnuts with the sweetness of chocolate, is perfect for holidays or for moments spent with loved ones. Preparing it may seem like a complex process, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you will achieve an extraordinary, fluffy, and aromatic bread.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2 breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 kg of wheat flour
- 800 ml of fermented cream
- 10 egg yolks
- 250 g of granulated sugar
- 150 ml of melted butter
- 100 ml of oil
- 50 g of melted lard
- 4 teaspoons of dry yeast
- Zest of one orange

For the filling:
- 400 g of ground walnuts
- 300 g of milk chocolate
- 100 ml of milk

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of cream
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the dough. It is essential to respect the order in which you add them to the bread machine to achieve perfect dough. Add the ingredients in the following order: flour, fermented cream, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, oil, melted lard, and dry yeast. Finally, add the grated orange zest for extra flavor. Set the machine to the kneading and rising program.

2. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, grind the walnuts and add the finely chopped chocolate. In a small pot, heat the milk until just before boiling. Pour the warm milk over the walnut and chocolate mixture, stirring well to obtain a homogeneous composition. Let the filling cool slightly so it is not hot when you add it to the dough.

3. Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen nicely in the bread machine, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a rectangular sheet. Sprinkle half of the walnut and chocolate mixture over the first sheet of dough, then roll it tightly, forming a log. Repeat this process with the second sheet of dough and filling.

4. Placing in the tray
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the two twisted dough logs in the tray, leaving space between them to allow for rising. Cover the tray with a clean towel and let the breads rise for 45-50 minutes.

5. Baking
Start preheating the oven to 200°C. Once the breads have risen, generously brush them with the mixture of beaten egg, cream, and sugar. Bake the breads for 10 minutes at 200°C, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 40 minutes. You will know they are ready when they are beautifully browned and sound hollow when lightly tapped with your finger.

6. Cooling and serving
After removing the breads from the oven, let them cool in the tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack. Cover them with a clean towel to keep them moist and prevent cracking. Wait for them to cool completely before slicing.

Serving suggestions
The walnut and chocolate bread is delicious served plain, but you can also pair it with a cup of coffee or flavored tea. A slice of bread drizzled with a little caramel or chocolate sauce will make this dessert a true taste sensation.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A medium bread has about 300 calories per slice, but the nutritional benefits of the ingredients are significant. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants, while milk chocolate provides a dose of magnesium and iron, contributing to heart health.

Variations
If you want to personalize the recipe, you can replace the chocolate with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla to the filling for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to achieve a healthier bread, but the texture will be slightly different.

2. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can turn it into rolls or muffins, adding various fillings, such as cheese or olives.

3. How long can I keep the bread?
The bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for about 5-7 days, but it is best when fresh.

The walnut and chocolate bread is more than just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings together family and friends. I wish you much success in preparing this delicacy and enjoy every slice! Bon appétit!