Nut and Turkish Delight Cake

Walnut and Turkish Delight Bread - A Holiday Delicacy

The walnut and Turkish delight bread is a traditional recipe that brings joy to the hearts of many housewives and families. This dessert, with a fluffy texture and rich filling, is a staple on tables during holidays but can also be enjoyed on ordinary days. The bread has a long history, being associated with festive moments as well as special occasions. Preparing it may seem challenging, but with a little patience and a few tricks, you will achieve an exceptional result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg Baneasa 000 wheat flour
- 4 eggs at room temperature
- 250 g sugar
- 150-200 g oil for kneading
- 0.5 l sweet milk
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
1. Filling 1:
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
2. Filling 2:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 150 g finely chopped Turkish delight
- Various flavors (vanilla essence, rum essence)

Preparing the dough

1. Start by warming the milk over low heat, adding the sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves. Turn off the heat and let the milk cool slightly until it reaches a warm temperature (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast).

2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little warm milk. Set it aside for a few minutes to activate the yeast. This will be the key to a fluffy dough.

3. In a large bowl, sift the flour to oxygenate the main ingredient. Add the warm milk, beaten eggs, and activated yeast. Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until a thick dough forms.

4. Gradually start adding the warm oil, kneading the dough well. Kneading is essential; the dough should become elastic and smooth. If you have a food processor, you can use the kneading attachment, but manual kneading adds a personal touch and connection with the ingredients.

5. Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour. The dough should double in volume.

Creating the fillings

1. While the dough rises, you can prepare the fillings. For the first filling, mix the sugar, chopped walnuts, and cocoa in a bowl. Make sure the walnuts are freshly chopped, as this will bring a more intense flavor.

2. For the second filling, mix the cocoa with the finely chopped Turkish delight. You can add flavors to taste. Vanilla or rum essence will add extra flavor to the bread.

Shaping the loaves

1. After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Each part will become a delicious loaf.

2. Take the first ball of dough and divide it again into two. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, about 1 cm thick. Sprinkle the filling with sugar, walnuts, and cocoa on the first sheet. Roll the sheet up tightly. Repeat the process with the second sheet.

3. The second ball of dough is also divided into two. Roll out the two sheets and fill them with cocoa and chopped Turkish delight. Roll them up just like the first time.

4. Now comes the important moment: braiding the rolls. Take the two filled rolls and carefully braid them together. Place the loaves in baking trays lined with parchment paper.

5. Cover the trays with a towel and let the loaves rise again, this time for about 30-40 minutes. This is the stage where the loaves will gain the desired volume.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (low heat) before baking the loaves.

2. After they have risen, place the loaves in the oven and let them bake for about 1 hour. It is important to watch them, as each oven has its specifics. The loaves are ready when they become golden and, when touched, have a firm yet fluffy texture.

3. About 10 minutes before removing them, you can prepare a mixture of honey and vanilla essence. Using a brush, glaze the loaves with this mixture to give them an appetizing shine.

Serving

The walnut and Turkish delight bread is delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving it with a cup of tea or coffee, and for a truly special experience, you can accompany it with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream. You can also slice it thinly and lightly toast it in a pan for a special breakfast.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter, to achieve a uniform dough.
- If you want to experiment, you can add raisins or chocolate to the fillings for a different taste.
- The bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and can be consumed in the next few days.

Nutritional benefits

The walnut and Turkish delight bread is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of nutrients. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, and cocoa contains flavonoids that are beneficial for health. Of course, moderate consumption is key, but it offers a little pleasure in every slice!

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. In this case, use about 7 g of dry yeast. Mix it directly into the flour.

- How can I tell if the loaves are well baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf lightly; if it sounds hollow, then they are ready. You can also check if they have browned evenly.

- Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, the bread freezes very well. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

I hope this walnut and Turkish delight bread recipe brings you joy and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Preparing it can be a true art, but with each attempt, you will become a true master in the art of bread making! Enjoy!