Nut cake with candied fruits and chocolate

Nut Roll with Nuts, Dried Fruits, and Chocolate - Delicious and Aromatic Recipe

The nut roll is one of those traditional delights that reminds us of holidays, family moments, and the enticing smell of baking in the kitchen. This recipe for nut roll with nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate is truly special and will surely become a favorite for all who try it.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 6 rolls

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 2 kg flour + 1 cup for kneading
- 750 g yogurt
- 500 g sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 100 g fresh yeast
- 150 g butter (at least 85% fat)
- 6 egg yolks
- 4 whole eggs
- Grated lemon zest
- Grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon saffron
- 2 eggs for brushing

For the filling (for one roll):
- 1 bowl ground nuts
- 1 cup hot milk
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon rum essence
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- Candied orange peel
- Mixed dried fruits
- 60 g milk chocolate (cut into cubes)

For brushing:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon oil

Preparation of the nut roll:

Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by rubbing the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it starts to bubble. Meanwhile, heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling. In a bowl, place the flour and sprinkle the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the warm milk. Mix a little with the flour until a paste forms.

Step 2: Letting the starter rise
Add the activated yeast to the paste and mix well. Let the starter rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
Warm the yogurt until it is lukewarm and melt the butter. After the starter has risen, add the sugar, beaten eggs, lemon and orange zests, powdered sugar with vanilla, and saffron. Mix gently, then add the yogurt and start kneading the dough. Don't worry if the dough is a bit sticky; this is the secret to a fluffy nut roll. Gradually add the melted butter and continue kneading. After about 10 minutes of kneading, the dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Cover it and let it rise again in a warm place.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
In a bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the ground nuts, sugar, cocoa, powdered sugar with vanilla, rum essence, and raisins. Mix well, then gradually add the hot milk until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly moist mixture. Finally, add the chocolate cubes, candied orange peel, and mixed dried fruits.

Step 5: Forming the nut roll
On a floured work surface, divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into appropriate sheets. On each sheet, spread the nut filling, then sprinkle the chocolate and dried fruits. Roll each sheet tightly, forming logs, and then braid the two logs together.

Step 6: Baking the nut roll
Place the rolls in a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 15 minutes. Brush each roll with beaten egg, then place them in the preheated oven at 180°C for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if they are well baked.

Step 7: Glazing the nut roll
Once the rolls are ready, prepare a mixture of water, honey, and oil and brush them with a pastry brush. Cover them with a towel and let them cool.

Nutritional benefits:
The nut roll is an excellent source of energy due to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar. Nuts add protein and healthy fats, while dried fruits provide vitamins and antioxidants. It is an ideal dessert to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Serving suggestions:
The nut roll can be served plain, but for an even more refined taste, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of sweet cream. Additionally, a fruit tea or aromatic coffee will perfectly complement this delight.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fillings?
Of course! The nut roll can be customized with various fillings, such as poppy seeds, Turkish delight, or plain chocolate.

- How long can I keep the nut roll?
The nut roll keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

- How can I make the nut roll less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

This nut roll with nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate is truly a recipe that blends tradition with innovation. I hope you have wonderful moments in the kitchen, and the final result will be a fluffy and aromatic nut roll that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!