Rosenkrantz Cake

Rosenkrantz Cake: A Delicacy with a Story

Imagine a weekend morning, when the aroma of freshly baked cake wafts through the house, and the family gathers around the table with smiles on their faces. The Rosenkrantz cake is more than just a dessert; it is a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation, a true symbol of conviviality and joy. Whether it’s a celebration or just an ordinary day, this cake will transform any moment into something special.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 10-15 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12-14

Ingredients:

- 600 g wheat flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons sugar (for the dough)
- 200 g butter (melted) + 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 6 tablespoons sugar (for the filling)
- 8 tablespoons sugar (for caramelization)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 400 g chopped walnuts
- 3-4 tablespoons cocoa

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Caramelizing the Sugar: Start by caramelizing the 8 tablespoons of sugar. Place the sugar in a pot about 30 cm in diameter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns golden, being careful not to burn it. Once caramelized, carefully pour the sugar onto the sides of the pot, ensuring it is well distributed.

2. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. In this well, add the beaten eggs, salt, lemon and orange zest, and the essences.

3. Activating the Yeast: In a separate bowl, rub the yeast with a little sugar until it liquefies. Add the lukewarm milk (sweetened with 6 tablespoons of sugar) and a tablespoon of flour. Let the mixture rise for 10 minutes until it doubles in volume.

4. Mixing the Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with flour and combine with a spatula. Melt 50 g of butter and mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add this mixture along with the eggs to the flour and start kneading the dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on a working surface, but don’t overdo it. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly elastic.

5. Preparing the Filling: In a bowl, mix the remaining butter with 6 tablespoons of sugar and cocoa. Add the chopped walnuts and mix well.

6. Forming the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread it evenly with the butter and cocoa mixture, then sprinkle the walnut filling. Roll the dough tightly to form a cylinder.

7. Cutting and Placing the Rolls: Cut the roll into 6 equal pieces. Place each piece vertically in the pot with caramelized sugar, leaving space between them to allow for rising.

8. Letting the Dough Rise: Cover the pot with a clean towel and let the cake rise for 30-40 minutes, or until the rolls stick together.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Inverting: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a platter. This step is crucial to prevent hardening.

Practical Tips:

- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
- Ensure the yeast is fresh; expired yeast will not rise the dough well.
- If you want a more exotic note, add a bit of cardamom or cinnamon to the filling.
- You can substitute walnuts with chopped almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:

The Rosenkrantz cake is not just a treat, but also a source of carbohydrates that provide energy. The walnuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. A serving can contain approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of filling and sugar used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough may be denser. It offers a more rustic flavor and greater nutritional value.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? Wrap it in plastic wrap or a clean towel and store it in a cool place. It can be frozen for later consumption.
- What drink pairs well with this cake? A fruit tea or flavored coffee are excellent choices to complement the taste of the cake.

The Rosenkrantz cake is a treat worth trying, whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner. It brings a touch of magic to every slice and invites sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to start cooking and bring joy into your home!