Nut cake with raisins and orange zest

Nut Roll with Walnuts, Raisins, and Orange Peel

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition that brings family and friends together around the table, often associated with celebrations and moments of joy. Each bite of nut roll reminds us of the warmth of home and our roots. So, let’s venture into making this delicious nut roll with walnuts, raisins, and citrus flavor that will make hearts vibrate with joy.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 4 egg yolks
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 ml oil
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 100 g sugar
- 10 ml rum
- Grated zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 500 g raisins (soaked in rum)
- Diced peel from 2 oranges and 2 lemons
- Sugar (to taste, depending on preferences)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: In a bowl, mix 100 g of flour with 200 ml of lukewarm milk. Stir vigorously with a spoon, avoiding lumps. It is important that the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Once a homogeneous mixture is obtained, let it cool.

2. Activating the yeast: In another bowl, rub the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar until it becomes liquid. When our starter has cooled, add the activated yeast and mix well. Let the starter rise for 15-20 minutes until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the egg yolk mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt to maintain their vibrant color. Add the sugar, grated lemon and orange zest, vanilla sugar, rum, and 50 g of melted butter. Mix well until the mixture becomes white and fluffy.

4. Combining the ingredients: When the starter has risen, add it to the egg yolk mixture along with the remaining milk. Mix and gradually add the remaining flour. Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes. At first, the dough will be sticky, but as you knead, it will detach from your hands and the bowl. At this point, add the remaining melted butter and continue kneading, incorporating the butter until the dough becomes elastic.

5. First rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for one hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with a little milk, just enough to soften them without becoming too liquid. Add sugar to taste, the raisins (which have been soaked in rum), and the diced orange and lemon peel. Mix well and set the filling aside.

7. Shaping the nut roll: After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface, forming a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over each piece of dough and roll tightly.

8. Second rising: Place the nut rolls in pans lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with flour. Let them rise again until nearly reaching the edge of the pan, about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 °C.

9. Baking: Brush the nut rolls with beaten egg for a beautiful golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. It is essential not to open the oven door in the first 25 minutes to allow the nut rolls to rise evenly. Check if they are done using a toothpick; it should come out clean.

10. Cooling and serving: After the nut rolls are baked, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, they can be sliced and served.

Useful tips:
- Raisins: Soaking the raisins in rum not only enhances their flavor but also makes them juicier. If you prefer, you can use orange liqueur or warm water.
- Butter: Using high-quality butter will give the nut roll a special flavor. You can replace some of the butter with margarine for a lighter version.
- Customization: You can add cinnamon to the filling for an even more intense flavor or experiment with various nuts (hazelnuts, pistachios) to vary the texture.
- Serving: The nut roll pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of sweet wine for a special dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
The nut roll with walnuts is rich in healthy proteins and fats due to the nuts, while the raisins add a good dose of fiber. Whole flour can be used for a more nutritious version, enhancing the nutritional profile of this traditional dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast. A 7 g packet of dry yeast is equivalent to about 30 g of fresh yeast.
- How can I store the nut roll? The nut roll stores well in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It can be wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

This nut roll recipe with walnuts, raisins, and orange peel is definitely a great choice for any occasion. Whether it's for holidays, anniversaries, or simply a family Sunday, the nut roll will bring joy and unforgettable flavors. Enjoy!