Nut, cocoa, and Turkish delight cake

Nut Roll with Walnut, Cocoa, and Turkish Delight - a fluffy and aromatic treat, perfect for festive meals! This nut roll recipe combines tradition with the exquisite taste of quality ingredients, turning each slice into a true delicacy. Whether it's Easter or Christmas, this nut roll will always bring smiles and beautiful stories around the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 nut rolls

Ingredients needed for 2 nut rolls:

- 1 kg sifted wheat flour (choose type 000 for a fluffy dough)
- 5 eggs + 1 egg for brushing
- 400 g sugar (divided: 250 g for dough and 150 g for filling)
- 500 ml warm milk (about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 200 g melted butter (for a rich taste and delicate texture)
- 5 tablespoons rum essence (or vanilla, if you prefer something else)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange (for a fresh scent)
- A pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 25 g dry yeast)
- 400 g ground walnuts
- 200 g diced Turkish delight (optional, but adds a touch of sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons coconut (for an exotic flavor)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa (for a rich filling)
- Poppy seeds or coconut for decoration

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: The whole magic begins with the ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature and the flour is sifted to avoid lumps. These details will make a difference in the final consistency of the nut roll.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 50 g of fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm milk and 3 tablespoons of flour. Let the mixture ferment for 15 minutes in a warm place (about 30 degrees Celsius). You will know it is ready when bubbles appear on the surface.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, activated yeast, the rest of the warm milk, 250 g sugar, egg yolks, grated lemon and orange zest, and the pinch of salt. Mix with a spatula or by hand until the ingredients combine.

4. Incorporating the butter: Melt 200 g of butter and let it cool slightly. Gradually add the melted butter to the dough, kneading with your hands coated in fat. This technique will give a fine and fluffy dough.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in volume (about 1-1.5 hours).

6. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 150 g of sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a glossy foam. Incorporate the ground walnuts, cocoa, coconut, and rum essence. Mix well until the filling becomes homogeneous.

7. Shaping the nut rolls: On a floured surface, divide the dough into two. Roll each piece into a rectangular sheet, about 1 cm thick. Spread the filling evenly over each sheet, leaving a 2 cm edge free.

8. Packing the nut rolls: Roll the sheet of dough with filling, making sure to tighten it well, forming a log. You can braid the logs for a more rustic look. Place the nut rolls in trays lined with baking paper.

9. Final rising: Let the nut rolls rise again, covered, for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

10. Brushing and baking: Brush each nut roll with beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds or coconut on top for an attractive look. Bake the nut rolls in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden and pass the toothpick test.

11. Cooling: After baking, let the nut rolls cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. This will allow air to circulate and prevent condensation.

Serving suggestions: Serve the nut roll with a glass of warm milk or a cup of aromatic tea. You can also add fruit jam or cream cheese for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cocoa contains antioxidants that contribute to heart health. However, remember that this treat is quite caloric, having about 400 calories per serving, so enjoy it in moderation.

Recipe variations: You can experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate, raisins, or even dried fruits. If you want to try a healthier version, replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners or use whole wheat flour.

If you ever wondered what the secret to a perfect nut roll is, I will answer you: patience! Give the dough the time it needs to rise, and the result will meet your expectations.

Now that you have all this information and steps, it's time to get to work! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and the enticing aroma that will spread throughout the house. Your nut roll will surely become the star of the festive table!