Nut cake with candied fruits and chocolate

Nut Roll with Walnuts, Candied Fruits, and Chocolate

The nut roll is a symbol of the holidays, a sweet treat that brings warm memories and moments of joy around the table. This recipe for nut roll with walnuts, candied fruits, and chocolate is a true delicacy that combines the fluffy textures of the dough with the rich and aromatic filling. I will guide you through each step to ensure you achieve a perfect nut roll every time.

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

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 (85% fat)
- 6 egg yolks
- 4 eggs
- Grated lemon zest
- Grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon saffron
- 2 eggs for brushing

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 bowl ground walnuts
- 1 cup hot milk
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon rum essence
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- Candied orange peel
- Mixed candied fruits
- 60 g milk chocolate (chopped into cubes)

Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This is a crucial step to achieve a uniform and fluffy dough. Fresh yeast activates better in warm conditions.

2. Activating the yeast:
Rub the yeast with a spoonful of sugar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature until a fluffy foam forms. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, place the flour and sprinkle the salt. Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the hot milk. Gently mix with a little flour to form a paste. Add the activated yeast, mixing well, and let the starter rise covered with a clean towel for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

4. Adding wet ingredients:
After the starter has risen, add the sugar, beaten egg yolks, grated lemon and orange zest, powdered sugar with vanilla, and warm yogurt. Knead the dough, gradually adding melted butter and a little extra flour, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, but slightly sticky. Don’t worry if it’s a bit softer than you imagined; this will contribute to a fluffier nut roll.

5. Kneading:
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. When ready, it should have an elastic consistency and form air bubbles. Cover it and let it rise again in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the ground walnuts, sugar, cocoa, rum essence, powdered sugar with vanilla, raisins, and candied orange peel. Mix well, then gradually add the hot milk until you achieve a homogeneous and moist mixture. Finally, fold in the chopped chocolate cubes.

7. Shaping the nut roll:
Sprinkle flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Take 2 pieces of dough and roll them out with a rolling pin until you get two sheets of even thickness. On one sheet, spread the walnut filling, and on the other, sprinkle the chocolate and mixed candied fruits. Carefully roll them up to form logs and then braid them gently.

8. Placing in the pan:
Place the nut roll in a greased pan lined with baking paper. Let it rise again for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Baking:
After the nut roll has risen, brush it with beaten egg. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and passes the toothpick test. If it browns too quickly, you can cover the nut roll with aluminum foil.

10. Glazing and serving:
Once out of the oven, mix the water, honey, and oil, then brush the nut roll with this mixture using a brush. Cover it with a towel to keep it warm and fluffy.

Nutritional benefits:
The nut roll with walnuts, candied fruits, and chocolate is a rich source of proteins and healthy fats due to the walnuts. The candied fruits add extra vitamins and minerals, while the chocolate provides antioxidants. Although it is a more indulgent recipe, in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Practical tips:
- You can replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a varied taste.
- Use different types of candied fruits for a diversified flavor.
- The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered, to develop a deeper flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; use about 30 g of dry yeast and follow the same activation steps.

2. How can I keep the nut roll fresh longer?
Keep it in a paper bag or an airtight container at room temperature.

3. What drinks pair well with the nut roll?
You can serve the nut roll with hot tea, coffee, or even a sweet wine to enhance the flavors.

This recipe for nut roll with walnuts, candied fruits, and chocolate will surely bring joy to your home. Whether you prepare it for a holiday or just for an ordinary day, each slice will be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy!