Spirals with vanilla cream

Vanilla Cream Spirals: A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Are you dreaming of a dessert that combines the soft texture of dough with delicious vanilla cream? Vanilla cream spirals are exactly what you were looking for! This dessert is a symbol of joy and creativity in the kitchen, blending tradition with a touch of innovation. Alongside a cup of tea or coffee, these spirals become a true indulgence.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 spirals

Ingredients for the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 125 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 egg
- 100 g sugar
- 50-100 g butter or margarine
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt
- 0.5 tablespoons of dry yeast

Ingredients for the cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Vanilla essence
- 100 g sugar
- A few chocolate chunks (about 50 g), cut into larger pieces

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 100 g sugar
- 15 ml water
- 0.5 tablespoons honey

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: It is essential that all ingredients are at room temperature or slightly warm to achieve perfect dough. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, ensuring no yolk remains in the egg white mixture.

2. Creating the starter: In a bowl, mix the dry yeast with one tablespoon of sugar and a little lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes active and starts forming bubbles. In another bowl, make a well in the flour, pouring the yeast mixture in the center. Gently mix with a little flour from the edges, forming a starter. Cover the bowl and let it rise for about 20 minutes.

3. Preparing the dough: While the starter rises, mix the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla sugar until creamy, and the sugar is no longer gritty. Beat the egg whites until you get a firm meringue. Once the starter has risen, add the yolks, egg whites, grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt to the flour. Start kneading, gradually adding the lukewarm milk and melted margarine. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for 40 minutes in a warm place.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream: Meanwhile, divide the 500 ml of milk in half. Bring half of the milk to a boil with the sugar and vanilla essence. In another bowl, mix the other half of the milk with the eggs and cornstarch. When the milk on the stove starts to boil, add the egg mixture and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the cream thickens. Let it cool.

5. Assembling the spirals: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangular sheet on a floured surface. Spread the vanilla cream evenly over the dough and sprinkle the chocolate chunks. Roll the dough starting from one corner, forming a tight log. Cut the log into slices of about 2-3 cm and place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 10-15 minutes.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Bake the spirals for 30 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.

7. Preparing the glaze: In a small saucepan, boil the sugar with water until a syrup forms. Once the syrup is ready, add the honey and stir vigorously, then let it cool slightly.

8. Glazing the spirals: After the spirals have cooled slightly, pour the glaze over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.

9. Serving: Vanilla cream spirals are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a few drops of rum or almond essence to the vanilla cream.
- Replacing the chocolate with dried fruits or nuts adds a touch of variety to the recipe.
- The spirals keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but they are best when freshly baked.

Nutritional benefits:
These spirals are not just a treat but also a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugars. Milk and eggs provide protein and calcium, while the orange zest adds a hint of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid since whole grain flour absorbs more water.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
You can use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and an egg substitute like banana puree or plant yogurt.

3. Can I prepare these spirals in advance?
Yes, you can bake them a day ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving.

These vanilla cream spirals are not just a dessert but a culinary experience that can bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!