Spicy gugelhupf

Spiced Guguluf – A Fragrant Delight for Autumn

When autumn makes its presence felt, nothing compares to a dessert that combines the warm flavors of spices with a fluffy and moist texture. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for Spiced Guguluf, a treat that will fill your home with enticing aromas and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This ingenious recipe uses Ricotta cheese and cottage cheese to create a moist base, enriched with seeds and spices, while the glaze made from apple juice flavored with star anise will turn each slice into an explosion of flavors.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Necessary Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 200 grams Ricotta cheese
- 120 grams cottage cheese
- 2 free-range eggs
- 150 grams brown sugar
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or another vegetable oil)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- A pinch of saffron
- 3 tablespoons goji berries (preferably fresh)
- 190 grams white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

*For the glaze:*
- 120 ml apple juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 3 star anise
- 150 grams brown sugar

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the Pan: Start by preparing the guguluf pan. Generously grease it with butter, ensuring that all corners and edges are well covered so that you can easily remove the base at the end.

2. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for achieving a perfectly fluffy guguluf.

3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Use a mixer to obtain a dense and homogeneous cream.

4. Adding the Oil: Add the coconut oil and mix again until fully incorporated.

5. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and baking powder. Add the pine nuts, flax seeds, sesame seeds, saffron, and goji berries. If using dried goji berries, soak them in water for 10 minutes, then dry them with a paper towel before adding them to the mixture.

6. Combining the Mixtures: Incorporate the dry ingredients mixture into the cheese cream, gently mixing with a spatula until everything is well combined.

7. Baking the Guguluf: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Preparing the Glaze

1. Preparing the Apple Juice: In a small saucepan, add the apple juice and brown sugar, stirring continuously to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

2. Flavoring the Glaze: Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the star anise. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

3. Glazing the Guguluf: Once the guguluf has cooled slightly, remove it from the pan and place it on a stand or a round plate. Pour the warm glaze over the guguluf, ensuring it is evenly covered.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Spiced Guguluf is delicious served plain, but it can be even more special alongside a glass of red wine or a fragrant tea. Another option is to serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which will add a note of freshness.

Tips and Variations

- Spices: To achieve a more complex flavor, you can experiment with other spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Seeds: Replace flax seeds with chia seeds for an interesting texture.
- Fruits: You can also add other dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, to diversify the taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This dessert is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ricotta cheese provides protein, while flax and sesame seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Star anise has digestive properties, and brown sugar, while still a sugar, has a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese?: Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or cottage cheese, but be mindful of moisture proportions.
- How can I store the guguluf?: The guguluf stores well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
- Is this dessert vegan?: You can adapt the recipe using vegan cheese and chia or flaxseed eggs.

So, let yourself be carried away by the flavors of autumn and prepare this Spiced Guguluf. Each slice will turn a simple meal into a feast of taste. Enjoy!