Starlight Cake

Steluta Cake: A Traditional Delicacy for Holidays

The Steluta cake is an emblematic dessert, known for its fluffy texture and the unmistakable aroma of walnut filling. This cake is not just a simple pastry, but a symbol of the holidays, bringing the family together around the table. Whether it’s Christmas or Easter, every bite of the cake will remind you of the happy moments spent with loved ones. Get ready to discover a simple and delicious recipe that will turn any meal into a celebration.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 300 ml warm milk
- 75 g soft butter (or margarine), at room temperature
- 80 g sugar
- 550 g flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 125 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk

Preparation of the Steluta cake:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as excessive heat can destroy the yeast's activity. Let the yeast activate for about 10-15 minutes, until it starts to form bubbles on the surface.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give the dough a pleasant flavor and better texture. Add the activated yeast, soft butter, and egg yolk. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy cake.

3. Rising the dough: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts, sugar, and the 2 tablespoons of milk. This mixture will become the filling for your cake. If desired, you can also add a splash of vanilla essence to enhance the flavor.

5. Assembling the cake: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangular sheet, about 1 cm thick. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

6. Shaping the cake: Roll the dough with the filling into a log shape, being careful not to let the filling spill out. Place the cake in a greased and floured baking tray, making sure to place it seam side down.

7. Second rising: Cover the tray with a towel and let the cake rise again for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean).

9. Cooling: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely.

10. Serving: Slice the cake and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also perfect for a festive breakfast or a sweet snack during the day.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enrich the filling, you can add soaked raisins or chopped chocolate.
- The cake can be wrapped in aluminum foil to keep it fresh for a few days.
- You can experiment with various fillings, such as cocoa, poppy seeds, or candied fruits, to personalize the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
Although the Steluta cake is a sweet dessert, it contains beneficial ingredients. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, while milk and butter contribute to the intake of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins. Consuming the cake in moderation can add a boost of energy and flavor to your diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and mix it with the flour.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that the environment temperature is suitable. If it’s too cold, the dough will not rise properly.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the filling will make the cake less sweet, and you can add natural flavors, such as cinnamon or vanilla, for a more interesting taste.

The Steluta cake is more than just a simple recipe; it is a tradition, a story, and a way to bring joy into our homes. I wish you success in making this delicacy and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones. Enjoy!