Rose Sweet Bread

Rose Cake: A Holiday Delight

The Rose Cake is a recipe that combines tradition with indulgence, a dessert that brings joy and warmth to any home. It is perfect for holidays but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. This recipe not only yields a delicious result but also provides a cooking experience full of satisfaction. Get ready to discover how to create a cake that will impress everyone!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 ml milk (heated)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- Vanilla essence
- 100 ml oil (lightly heated)

For the filling:
- 2 cups of ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- Rum essence

For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (for sprinkling)

History of the Rose Cake

The cake is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition that has spanned generations, bringing families together around the table. Whether for Christmas or Easter, its inviting aroma fills homes with joy. The Rose Cake, in particular, stands out for its elegant shape and delicious walnut and cocoa filling, adding a touch of refinement.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Rose Cake

1. Prepare the starter: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of flour. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes, until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy dough.

2. Sift the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and salt. This step helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a uniform texture of the dough.

3. Warm the milk: Heat the milk over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and provides a richer flavor to the dough.

4. Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become frothy and light in color. This step will add a sweet aroma and creamy texture.

5. Mix the ingredients: Combine the flour with the warm milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla essence. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

6. Incorporate the oil: The oil should be slightly warm but not hot. Gradually incorporate it into the dough, kneading well. Greasing your hands with oil during kneading will make handling the dough easier. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and starts to bubble, a process that can take about 10-15 minutes.

7. Let it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

8. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar, milk, cocoa, and rum essence. This rich and aromatic filling will add a divine taste to the cake.

9. Shape the cake: After the dough has risen, grease a work surface with oil and roll out the dough into a rectangle. Evenly distribute the walnut filling over the entire surface of the dough.

10. Roll the dough: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 6-7 equal pieces. This will allow the cake to have a beautiful rose shape.

11. Arrange in the pan: Grease a round baking pan with oil and line it with parchment paper. Place the pieces from the log side by side, forming a round pattern. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

12. Brush and sprinkle: After the pieces have risen, brush them with the beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top. This step will give the cake a golden and crispy crust.

13. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until it becomes golden and beautiful. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

14. Cool: Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid condensation forming inside.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Cake

- Yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh. You can check this by mixing it with warm water and sugar; if it forms foam, it is active.
- Oil: Use sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste. If you want a stronger flavor, you can use olive oil.
- Sifting flour: Sifting flour is not just a formality; it helps aerate it and makes the dough fluffier.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough homogeneity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the cake last?
The cake can be kept at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage, but make sure it is well wrapped.

2. Can I use other types of fillings?
Of course! You can experiment with poppy seed, apple, or chocolate fillings. Each variation will add a unique touch to the cake.

3. How can I tell if the cake is baked?
Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean from the center of the cake, it is ready. Also, the cake should be golden on the outside.

4. What drinks pair well with the cake?
The cake pairs perfectly with a flavored tea or a glass of warm milk. Additionally, a sweet wine can be an excellent choice for a special occasion.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the cake sliced, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. A topping of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can transform the dessert into a true delicacy. You can also add some fresh fruits for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

The Rose Cake, although a dessert, also offers some nutritional benefits. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. Additionally, cocoa contains flavonoids, which can contribute to heart health.

Possible Variations

- Poppy Seed Cake: Replace the walnut filling with a poppy seed and sugar filling.
- Chocolate Cake: Add chopped chocolate to the filling for a decadent taste.
- Dried Fruit Cake: Add raisins or dried cherries to the walnut filling for a sweet and sour flavor.

Now that you have discovered the necessary steps to prepare a delicious Rose Cake, don’t hesitate to test your cooking skills. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be told. Enjoy every moment of this process and savor the final result, which will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!