Fluffy cake with walnuts and cocoa
Fluffy Walnut and Cocoa Bread - A Holiday Delight
When it comes to holidays, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the house with a special warmth, evoking cherished memories and joyful moments shared with loved ones. This recipe for fluffy walnut and cocoa bread is not only delicious but also a symbol of culinary tradition, lovingly prepared in many families. With every bite, you will feel the soft texture and rich filling, turning every meal into a feast of flavors.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large loaves
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 5 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 1 kg flour (sifted 3 times)
- 100 g oil
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1.5 oranges
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
For the filling:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 250-300 g ground walnuts
- Rum essence (to taste)
Preparation
1. Preparing the yeast
Start by sifting the flour 3 times. This step is essential to aerate the flour and achieve a fluffy bread. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and a bit of warm milk. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Heating the milk
Heat the remaining milk in a pot, adding the sugar and stirring well until completely dissolved. Do not let the milk boil, just warm it up.
3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add half of the flour. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Then, gradually add the warm milk, stirring with a wooden spoon. Continue adding flour until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt, lemon, and orange zest, then incorporate them into the dough.
4. Kneading
Gradually add the oil, continuing to knead. Then, add the melted butter, a little at a time. Knead the dough for about 30 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This step is crucial for getting fluffy bread. After kneading, cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
5. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a stiff meringue. Fold in the ground walnuts, sifted cocoa, and rum essence.
6. Shaping the loaves
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two, and each part into two again. Roll each piece of dough as thin as possible. Spread the filling evenly over the surface of the dough and roll it tightly. Braid the two rolls for a rustic and charming look.
7. Final rising
Place the loaves in baking trays lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little oil. Let them rise for another 45 minutes, covered with a towel.
8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the loaves with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a little milk to achieve a golden crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, reducing the temperature after the first 20 minutes if they brown too quickly. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the loaves are ready. If they brown too much, you can cover them with parchment paper.
9. Cooling
After the loaves are baked, carefully turn them on their sides to cool evenly. This trick helps maintain the fluffy texture.
Serving suggestions
Fluffy walnut and cocoa bread is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a festive appearance. You can also add a chocolate glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
Useful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate the kneading and rising process.
- Fat should be incorporated gradually to achieve a uniform and fluffy dough.
- Do not rush the rising time; it is essential for airy loaves.
Nutritional benefits
The bread contains carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the walnuts and oil. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cocoa contains antioxidants that may support heart health.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use about 15 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour.
2. How can I keep the bread fresh for longer?
You can store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. It can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
3. What other fillings can I use for the bread?
You can experiment with fillings like poppy seeds, chocolate, raisins, or candied fruits for variety.
Fluffy walnut and cocoa bread is more than just a dessert; it is an unforgettable experience, full of tradition and love. We wish you success in preparing this delicacy and hope it brings joy to your holiday table! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 5 egg yolks, 250 g sugar, 500 ml milk, 50 g yeast, 1 kg flour, 100 g oil, 100 g butter, a teaspoon of salt, grated zest of one lemon and half an orange, 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Filling: 5 egg whites, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of cocoa, 250-300 g ground walnuts, rum essence.
