Mint caramel roll with walnut
Roll with mint caramel cream and crunchy nuts
Discover a delicious recipe that combines the fluffy texture of the sponge with a decadent caramel cream and a fresh note of mint, all sprinkled with crunchy nuts. This roll is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Perfect for special occasions or simply for treating yourself, this recipe will make you the star of the kitchen.
Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the sponge:
- 5 fresh eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 50 ml of oil (sunflower or canola oil)
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of good quality cocoa
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
For the cream:
- 200 g of sugar (preferably granulated)
- 300 ml of heavy cream (ideally well chilled)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh mint, finely chopped (or more, to taste)
- 150 g of nuts (coarsely ground and lightly roasted)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the sponge
Start by preparing the baking tray: place a sheet of parchment paper in a large 30x35 cm tray, making sure it is well spread out. In a large bowl, crack the 5 eggs and beat them with a whisk or mixer until frothy. Add the 4 tablespoons of water, sugar, and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until the mixture turns a light yellow and the sugar is completely dissolved.
In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, along with the oil. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and even batter. It is important not to overmix to keep the sponge airy.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, leveling the surface well. Bake the sponge in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the sponge is perfect.
Step 2: Cooling the sponge
Once the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven and, while it is still warm, carefully turn it out onto a damp towel. Rolling it up with the towel will prevent cracking. Let it cool completely wrapped in the towel; this will help maintain moisture.
Step 3: Preparing the cream
In a small saucepan, add the sugar and caramelize it over low heat. Be careful with the color of the sugar, as burnt caramel becomes bitter. Once the sugar has taken on a brown hue, cautiously add the 200 ml of cream, stirring constantly. At this point, it is very important to be cautious, as the mixture will be very hot.
Let the cream simmer over low heat until it thickens, having the consistency of thick sour cream. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, add the chopped mint and let the cream cool to room temperature.
In the meantime, whip the remaining cream until it becomes firm. When the caramel has cooled but is not completely hardened, gently fold it into the whipped cream until you achieve a fluffy cream. Add the roasted and ground nuts, mixing gently to avoid crushing them too much.
Step 4: Assembling the roll
Unroll the sponge from the towel and spread the cream evenly over the entire surface. Carefully roll it up, starting from one end, being careful not to break it. If you have too much cream, don’t worry – it will make a delicious glaze on top of the roll.
After rolling the sponge, place it seam side down. Spread the remaining cream on top and sprinkle the remaining roasted nuts for added texture. Now, place the roll in the refrigerator for at least an hour so that all the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Serving
Once it has cooled, cut the roll into generous slices and serve with a smile. This roll pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will make a delicious duet. Enjoy!
Useful tips
- Make sure to use fresh eggs, as they help achieve a fluffier sponge.
- If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can add a few drops of mint essential oil to the caramel cream.
- Instead of nuts, you can use almonds or roasted hazelnuts to vary the texture and taste.
Nutritional benefits
This roll provides a source of protein from eggs and cream, carbohydrates from sugar and flour, as well as healthy fats from nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Of course, enjoying this treat should be done in moderation, considering the sugar content.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the sugar in the recipe with a natural sweetener?
Yes, you can use sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but adjust the quantity according to the sweetness strength.
2. How can I keep the roll longer?
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
3. Can I add other flavors to the cream?
Certainly! You can experiment with vanilla, rum, or even cocoa extracts to create a unique version.
This roll with mint caramel and nuts is more than just a simple dessert; it’s a story of flavors that invites you to enjoy every bite. So put on your chef's apron, gather the ingredients, and let your creativity shine!
Ingredients: Base: -5 eggs -4 tablespoons water -50 ml oil -9 tablespoons flour -2 tablespoons cocoa -pinch of salt -1/2 teaspoon baking powder Cream: -200 g sugar -300 ml whipped cream -chopped mint (1 tablespoon) -150 g coarsely chopped and roasted walnuts
