Nut and Turkish Delight Cake

Nut and Turkish Delight Cake – A Traditional Delicacy

The cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is an emblem of culinary tradition, a piece of the soul of any festive meal. Whether it’s a holiday or a simple family Sunday, its unmistakable aroma and fluffy texture remind us of warm moments spent with loved ones. Today, I will guide you in preparing a nut and Turkish delight cake, a simple yet flavorful and traditional recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 12-14 slices

Ingredients for the cake:

- 1 kg flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 170 g sugar
- 150 ml oil
- 600 ml milk (warm)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 egg white
- 5 tablespoons sugar (for filling)
- 600 g ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 100 ml milk (for filling)
- Turkish delight (to taste)
- 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

Preparing the dough:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small pot, pour 100 ml of warm milk. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and the fresh yeast. Mix well and let it rise for about 10-15 minutes in a warm place.

2. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Add the salt and mix gently. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, and the grated lemon and orange zest.

3. Preparing the dough: Heat the remaining milk (about 500 ml) with the sugar until it completely dissolves, being careful not to boil it. Pour half of the warm milk over the flour and mix gently. Gradually add the rest of the milk, depending on how much the dough needs. Knead until you have a soft dough that does not stick to your fingers. If necessary, you can add a little more flour or milk.

4. Letting the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Preparing the filling:

1. Beating the egg white: In a clean bowl, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt, gradually adding the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain a stiff foam.

2. Adding the ingredients: To this foam, add the ground walnuts, milk, and cocoa. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous filling. Set the filling aside.

3. Preparing the Turkish delight: Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes. This will add extra flavor and texture to the cake.

Assembling the cake:

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, break off a piece and roll it out on a work surface greased with oil. Spread the walnut filling on the dough, then roll it tightly. Do the same with another piece of dough, but this time add the Turkish delight.

2. Forming the cake: Twist the two rolls together and place them in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. The remaining dough is divided into two parts; fill each part with the walnut and Turkish delight filling, as preferred.

3. Letting it rise: Place the cakes in pans and let them rise for at least 30 minutes.

Baking:

1. Brushing the cakes: Mix the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the cakes with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cakes for 35-40 minutes, or until they become golden and pass the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Serving suggestions:

Serve the cake warm, alongside a cup of milk or a cup of fragrant tea. You can garnish with a little powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance. This cake is perfect for enjoying with family or at special events.

Personalized version:

If you want to experiment, try adding raisins or candied fruits to the filling. You can also replace the walnuts with ground almonds for a different flavor. The cake can be adapted according to personal tastes, transforming it into an original recipe every time.

Nutritional information:

Per serving, the cake has approximately 350 calories, being rich in carbohydrates from flour and sugar, but also in healthy fats from walnuts. Walnuts are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 7 g (1 packet).

2. How can I tell if the dough is ready?
The dough should be elastic and not stick to your fingers. If you press it gently, it should spring back to its original shape.

3. How long can I keep the cake?
The cake keeps well at room temperature, covered with a towel, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work. Enjoy every step of this process and savor the final result – a delicious nut and Turkish delight cake that will delight every family member! Enjoy your meal!