Sweet bread with colored Turkish delight

Colored Turkish Delight Cake: A Recipe Full of Tradition and Love

The cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition, a symbol of holidays, and a reason for joy in every family. In our home, the colored Turkish delight cake is the star of Christmas meals, but it doesn't stop there. It can be enjoyed on any special occasion or simply on days when we want to indulge ourselves. This recipe will guide you step by step in making a fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful cake.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30-45 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large cakes

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour (choose flour for cakes or type 550)
- 500 ml of milk (preferably whole, for a richer texture)
- 40-50 g of fresh yeast (or 14 g of dry yeast)
- 300 g of sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- Grated peel of one lemon (for added flavor)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 vial of rum essence (or another preferred essence)
- 500 g of colored Turkish delight (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 eggs (for added richness)
- 125 g of butter, oil, or margarine (preferably Rama margarine for baking)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A lot, a lot of love

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by sifting the flour into a large plastic bowl. Sifting helps aerate the flour, contributing to a fluffy cake. This is a step you shouldn't skip!

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 100 ml of warm milk (not hot, as it will kill the yeast). Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for getting a well-risen dough.

3. Heating the milk: In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk (400 ml) until it becomes warm, then add the sugar, lemon peel, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves. This is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.

4. Melting the margarine: In a separate saucepan, melt the margarine and let it cool slightly. This ingredient will make the cake softer and tastier.

5. Forming the dough: In the bowl with flour, add the warm milk, activated yeast, and beaten eggs with salt. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, then begin kneading. Gradually add the melted margarine, continuing to knead until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic dough.

6. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in volume. This is the ideal time to prepare your cake pans.

7. Preparing the Turkish delight: Cut the Turkish delight into small pieces, no larger than 1 cm, to distribute evenly in the cake.

8. Forming the cakes: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface, divide the dough into two. From each half, form three rectangular rolls, flatten each piece by hand, and add the pieces of Turkish delight. Roll each roll and then carefully braid them together.

9. Second rising: Place the cakes in greased pans and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.

10. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush the cakes with a mixture of beaten egg and a little sweetened milk. This step will give a beautiful and shiny crust.

11. Baking: Bake the cakes for 45 minutes or until they become golden and pass the toothpick test. If they brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

12. Cooling: Once ready, let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a rack.

Practical tips:

- Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free recipe, you can use a special gluten-free flour for cakes. Make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.
- Flavorings: Experiment with different flavors, such as orange or almond essence, to customize the cake to your preferences.
- Storing the cake: The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, and for longer storage, it can be frozen.
- Serving: The cake can be served plain, with a glass of warm milk or tea. A delicious combination is with a chocolate glaze or alongside a scoop of ice cream.

Nutritional benefits:

The cake contains carbohydrates from flour, proteins from eggs, and a moderate amount of fats from margarine. Sugar adds quick energy, but for a healthier cake, you can reduce the sugar amount or use natural sweeteners.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but be sure to adjust the amount to about 14 g.

- What can I use instead of Turkish delight?
You can replace Turkish delight with nuts, almonds, chocolate, or dried fruits for a less traditional variant.

- How long does the cake stay fresh?
Properly stored, the cake can stay fresh for 3-4 days. Frozen, it can last for several months.

The colored Turkish delight cake is a recipe that not only brings joy to the family but also a pleasant memory of culinary traditions. With each stage of preparation, you will feel the love and warmth that hides in every slice. Enjoy!