Sweet bread with Turkish delight and walnuts

Fluffy Walnut and Turkish Delight Cake - A No-Knead Recipe

Preparation time: 12 hours + 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: Approximately 13 hours
Number of servings: 2 cakes

Introduction

The cake is a symbol of celebration, a delicacy that brings the family together during festive moments. The recipe I will share today is special, not only because it requires no manual kneading, but also for its combination of flavors that blend the sweetness of walnuts with the soft texture of Turkish delight. This recipe is perfect for those who want to prepare a fluffy and tasty cake without putting in much effort. So, let's get started!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 370 g sugar
- 500 ml warm milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 kg flour
- 150 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- a pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 1 vial of rum essence

For the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 400 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 4 tablespoons sugar

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For brushing:
- 1 egg (to brush the cakes before putting them in the oven)

Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cake pans (2 pieces)
- Baking paper
- Clean towel
- Grater for lemon zest
- Spatula or wooden spoon

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough (12 hours before baking)
- In a large bowl, add 50 g of fresh yeast and 370 g of sugar. Gently mix with a spoon to combine.
- Add 500 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and 3 eggs. Use the mixer on low speed to incorporate the ingredients until a uniform mixture forms.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12 hours. This step will allow the yeast to ferment and develop flavors.

2. Mixing the ingredients
- After 12 hours, take the bowl with the fermented mixture and add 1 kg of flour, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and the vanilla and rum essences. Use the mixer on low speed until the flour is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add 150 ml of oil and continue mixing with the mixer for about 10 minutes. The dough will become elastic and slightly sticky.

3. Let the dough rise
- Cover the bowl again with a towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This is the stage where the dough will significantly increase in size and become airy.

4. Preparing the filling
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa. Add the cubed Turkish delight and mix well.

5. Shaping the cakes
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll out the first half of the dough with an oiled hand, forming a rectangle.
- Evenly sprinkle half of the walnut and Turkish delight mixture over the dough, then carefully roll it up, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the cake in the baking pan lined with baking paper.
- Repeat the process with the second half of the dough.

6. Let the cakes rise
- Allow the cakes to rise for 10 minutes, covered with a towel. This step is important to achieve an airy cake.

7. Preparing for baking
- Preheat the oven to 170°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush the surface of the cakes with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

8. Baking
- Bake the cakes for 20 minutes at 170°C, then reduce the temperature to 150°C and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, until golden and passing the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it is done.

9. Preparing the syrup
- While the cakes are baking, you can prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, bring 100 ml of water to a boil with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

10. Finishing
- Once the cakes are done, let them cool slightly, then brush them with the prepared syrup. This will add an extra touch of moisture and sweetness.

Serving and pairing suggestions
The cake is served warm or at room temperature, sliced thickly. You can enjoy it alongside a cup of warm milk or tea, but it also pairs perfectly with aromatic coffee. On festive days, you can accompany it with a sweet wine or a flavored liqueur.

Tips and variations
- You can experiment with fillings by adding raisins, chocolate, or even candied fruits.
- If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- You can replace the walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a different version.

Nutritional information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use about 17 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. What do I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
- Ensure you are using fresh yeast and that you have left the dough in a warm place. If the room temperature is too low, the dough will rise more slowly.

3. Is it necessary to brush the cake with syrup?
- It is not mandatory, but the syrup adds extra moisture and flavor.

With this recipe for fluffy walnut and Turkish delight cake, you will surely impress all your loved ones! Enjoy!