Nut spiral cake

Spiral Walnut Sweet Bread - A Traditional Delicacy

The sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it carries with it memories of celebrations, family gatherings, and moments of joy. This spiral walnut sweet bread recipe is perfect for turning any meal into a feast filled with flavors and textures. It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also the eyes, with its beautifully shaped spirals. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes + 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 3 medium-sized eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 70 ml sunflower oil (or olive oil for a richer flavor)
- 270 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- Zest of 1/2 lemon

*For the filling:*
- 1 egg white
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 4 tablespoons milk

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of warm milk (not hot) with a teaspoon of sugar and add the fresh yeast. Gently mix and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

3. Sift the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt and citrus zest. This step is important as sifting the flour aerates the ingredient and helps achieve a fine texture.

4. Knead the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast. Start kneading by gradually adding the warm milk mixed with sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, and finally, the oil. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This may take about 10 minutes.

5. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour and a half or until it doubles in size.

6. Prepare the filling: In another bowl, beat the egg white until it forms a foam. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture becomes stiff. Add the ground walnuts, rum essence, and milk, stirring with a wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

7. Form the sweet bread: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly oiled work surface, using your fingers instead of a rolling pin to avoid excessive thinning. Spread an even layer of walnut filling over the rolled-out dough and tightly roll it up.

8. Cut and arrange the spirals: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 7 equal pieces. Place 6 spirals around the edge of a round greased dish or lined with parchment paper, leaving one in the center. Let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.

9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the sweet bread has risen, brush it with the egg yolk diluted with a little milk for a beautiful golden color. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden and it sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.

10. Cooling and serving: Remove the sweet bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. It is delicious served warm, alongside a cup of coffee or milk.

Practical Tips:

- Filling variations: You can experiment with a cocoa filling or raisins instead of walnuts. Each variation will bring a new flavor and interesting texture.

- Optimal rising: If you want an even fluffier dough, try letting it rise overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors and make kneading easier.

- Storage: The sweet bread keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits:

This sweet bread contains protein from the eggs and walnuts, which are excellent sources of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants. Sugar can be substituted with healthier alternatives, such as honey or maple syrup, for a more nutritious option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast.

2. Why didn't my sweet bread rise? Make sure the yeast is active and that the dough was allowed to rise in a warm place.

3. How can I enhance the flavors? Add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the filling for a more complex taste.

The spiral walnut sweet bread is a recipe that will bring you joy and satisfaction. With every bite, you will not only taste the deliciousness but also feel the tradition and warmth of moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy it with pleasure!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 3 eggs, 100 g sugar, 70 ml oil, 270 ml milk, 1 teaspoon fresh yeast, a pinch of salt, zest from 1/2 orange, zest from 1/2 lemon. For the filling: 1 egg white, 3 tablespoons sugar, 200 g ground walnuts, 1 teaspoon rum essence, 4 tablespoons milk. For brushing: 1 egg yolk.