Nut and coconut cake

Nut Roll with Walnut and Coconut - A Fluffy Delicacy for Family Gatherings

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2-3 hours
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Number of servings: 2 trays of nut roll

The nut roll is a symbol of culinary traditions, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This walnut and coconut nut roll recipe combines the fluffy texture of the dough with a rich and aromatic filling, making it perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones. If you're trying it for the first time, don't worry! Each nut roll is an opportunity to learn and refine our skills.

Ingredients for the Dough:

- 1 kg flour
- 6 large eggs + 2 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast (or a packet of dry yeast)
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 125 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 500-600 ml warm milk
- a splash of oil for greasing
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (optional, for a color contrast in the filling)
- golden raisins (for added sweetness and texture)

Ingredients for the Filling:

- 2 cups ground walnuts
- ½ cup coconut
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- rum essence (to taste)

Step by Step - Preparing the Nut Roll

1. Activating the Yeast: Start by rubbing the two cubes of yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until they form a soft paste. Then, let them rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Add a little warm milk to help activate the yeast.

2. Preparing the Dough: Warm the milk slightly (about 37-40°C) and add the cubed margarine and remaining sugar. Mix until the margarine melts and the sugar dissolves. Then, pour this warm mixture over the flour, adding the activated yeast.

3. Beating the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the vanilla essence. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a stiff foam. Combine the egg yolks with the flour and gradually fold in the beaten egg whites. Also, add a handful of raisins, mixing gently.

4. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. The oil you used to grease the bowl will help prevent the dough from sticking.

5. Rising the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 2-3 hours, until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the Filling: In a bowl, beat the two egg whites with two tablespoons of sugar until they become a firm foam. In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the coconut and gradually fold in the egg white foam. Add rum essence to taste.

7. Forming the Nut Roll: Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll each piece into a thin sheet. Place the walnut and coconut filling on each sheet, then carefully roll them up.

8. Braiding the Rolls: Take two rolls and braid them together to form a beautiful nut roll. Repeat with the other two rolls. Place the nut rolls in greased trays.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the nut rolls with the egg white foam and sprinkle with granulated sugar and a few pieces of walnut for an attractive appearance. Bake the nut rolls for about 40 minutes, turning the trays halfway through for even baking.

10. Serving: Let the nut rolls cool slightly before slicing. Serve them warm, perhaps with a cup of milk or tea, for a truly comforting experience!

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, which helps develop a fluffy texture.
- If you want a nut roll with a more complex flavor, you can add a little cocoa to the filling or replace some of the walnuts with ground hazelnuts or almonds.
- Experiment with different essences, such as orange or lemon, to give the nut roll a fresh note.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why didn't my dough rise? - Make sure the yeast is active and that the temperature of the environment is suitable for fermentation. If it's too cold, the dough won't rise.
2. Can I use dry yeast? - Yes, you can use dry yeast, just follow the instructions on the package for activating it.
3. How can I keep the nut roll fresh? - Wrap it well in plastic wrap and keep it in a cool place. You can also freeze it to preserve its freshness.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
The nut roll is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy. The walnut content brings healthy fats and proteins, while the coconut offers fiber and micronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Share this recipe with your friends and enjoy the magic of warm, aromatic nut roll together! The walnut and coconut nut roll is not just a dessert, but an experience that brings family and friends together, turning simple moments into unforgettable memories. Enjoy!