Cherry and walnut jam crown

Cherry and Walnut Sweet Crown - An Irresistible Delicacy

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 10

The cherry and walnut sweet crown is a dessert that brings a touch of joy to any moment of the day. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also fill your home with divine aromas of freshly baked sweet bread. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, perfect for both beginners in culinary arts and seasoned kitchen veterans.

A Brief History

Sweet bread, especially filled varieties, has a rich and varied history. Over time, homemakers have experimented with various fillings, and cherry jam has become a favorite due to its balanced taste between tart and sweet. This crown is not just a simple dessert; it is an experience, a sweet memory from childhood when grandma spoiled us with oven treats.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 ml milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 500 g flour
- 1 packet dry yeast

Filling:
- 200 g cherry jam (make sure it is thick enough to avoid spilling)
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For the glaze:
- 1 well-beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough:
- Start by adding the ingredients in the specified order into the bread machine: milk, salt, sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and dry yeast. Make sure the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt to preserve its activity.
- Set the machine to the kneading and rising program. Let the machine work its magic – just wait for the beeping signal that will announce your dough is ready.

2. Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, take a bowl and mix the ground walnuts with the two tablespoons of sugar. This mixture will add a pleasant sweetness and a crunchy texture to your crown.

3. Rolling Out the Dough:
- Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bread machine onto a lightly greased work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick (not 5 cm, which is a common mistake).

4. Filling and Rolling:
- Spread the cherry jam over the entire surface of the dough, leaving an edge of a few centimeters on each side. Evenly sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture over the jam.
- Carefully roll the dough as tightly as possible to form a cylinder. Then place it in a greased bundt pan.

5. Final Rising:
- Allow the dough to rise in the pan for 20 minutes, covered with a clean towel. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy crown.

6. Preparing for the Oven:
- Use kitchen scissors to make deep cuts on the surface of the dough to give it a beautiful appearance and allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little sugar on top for a golden and crispy crust.

7. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the crown for 45 minutes, or until it turns golden and well-baked. You can check the baking by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, it's ready!

8. Serving:
- Allow the crown to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect experience.

Practical Tips
- Choose the Right Jam: Ensure the cherry jam is not too runny, or it will make the dough wet. You can test different types of jams or preserves, like strawberries or plums, if you want to experiment.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the milk with a plant-based milk and the butter with coconut oil for a delicious vegan version.
- Storage: The crown keeps well in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A slice of crown has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the thickness of the slices and the ingredients used. Walnuts add healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while cherries are a good source of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
- How can I enhance the flavors? Add a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Is this recipe suitable for holidays? Absolutely! The cherry and walnut crown is perfect for serving at festive meals or as a sweet gift.

Suggested Pairings
Your crown will be deliciously accompanied by a cup of citrus tea or aromatic coffee. If you want to add a touch of elegance, you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream.

Thus, you have all the tools you need to create this wonderful cherry and walnut crown. I wish you success and, above all, bon appétit!