Nut Roll

Nut Roll Cake – Tradition and Flavor in Every Slice

The nut roll cake is an emblematic dessert, full of flavors and tradition, that is part of festive meals in many cultures. This fluffy delight is not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a true tradition that brings warm memories and joyful moments with loved ones. Preparing the nut roll may seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a spectacular result. Come and let’s discover this recipe together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2 nut rolls

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml milk
- 350 g sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- 150 g butter
- a pinch of salt
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- zest from 2 lemons
- 50 g raisins
- oil for kneading

Ingredients for the nut filling:
- 400 g ground walnuts
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 150-200 ml milk
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 3-4 egg whites beaten stiff

Preparing the nut roll

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
The first step is to ensure that you have all the ingredients at hand. Choose high-quality flour, which will contribute to the fluffy texture of the nut roll. If you wish, you can use part wholemeal flour for a more pronounced taste. Also, remember to sift the flour into a large bowl to incorporate air, which will help the dough rise.

Step 2: Preparing the starter
In a saucepan, add 250 ml of milk and sugar and let it boil. After it cools, add the raisins, vanilla, and lemon zest. These flavors will add an extra layer of taste to your nut roll. In another saucepan, heat the remaining milk and add the yeast along with 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let the mixture rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, make a well in the flour and add the risen starter. Mix gently, then add the egg yolks rubbed with salt, warm milk with sugar, and melted butter. Knead the dough until you achieve an elastic consistency, gradually adding oil to prevent sticking. A trick to check if the dough is ready is to see if it forms air bubbles on the surface. Let it rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, covered with a damp towel.

Step 4: Preparing the nut filling
In a saucepan, combine the ground walnuts, milk, sugar, cocoa, and flavors. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Add the breadcrumbs to absorb excess liquid and let the filling cool. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites to achieve an airy texture.

Step 5: Forming the nut roll
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Grease the counter with a little oil and roll each piece of dough into a rectangular shape. Spread the nut filling evenly over each sheet, then carefully roll the dough to form a log. Place each nut roll in pans lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Rising and baking
Let the nut rolls rise for another 15 minutes, then brush them with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the nut rolls for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is well cooked. A trick to check if they are done is to tap the bottom lightly – if it sounds hollow, they are perfect!

Step 7: Cooling and serving
After the nut rolls are ready, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid condensation. You can serve the nut roll plain or with a glass of warm milk or aromatic tea.

Serving suggestions
I recommend serving the nut roll with a cup of hot chocolate or a fruit infusion. Another idea is to slice it thinly and serve it with apricot or peach jam for a delicious contrast.

Variations and useful tips
- You can add dried fruits or chopped chocolate to the filling for extra flavor.
- Replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for a different taste.
- If you prefer a moister nut roll, you can add more milk to the nut filling.

Nutritional benefits
The nut roll is not only delicious but also brings nutritional benefits. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Additionally, eggs and milk are excellent sources of protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions
1. Why is it important to let the dough rise?
- Rising the dough is essential to achieve a fluffy and airy texture. Yeast ferments the sugar in the dough, releasing carbon dioxide that makes the dough puff up.

2. Can I freeze the nut roll?
- Yes, the nut roll can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and putting it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the nut roll?
- Use high-quality extracts and natural flavors. Adding herbs or spices, such as cinnamon, can completely transform the taste.

The nut roll is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of traditions and beautiful moments spent with family. So embrace the cooking process, enjoy every step, and savor the final result! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this nut roll will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1kg flour 50g fresh yeast 500ml milk 350g sugar 8 egg yolks 150g butter a pinch of salt 3 packets of vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon of rum essence grated zest of 2 lemons 50g raisins oil for kneading For the filling: 400g ground walnuts 5-6 tablespoons of sugar 2 tablespoons of cocoa 150-200ml milk 2 teaspoons of rum essence 1 packet of vanilla sugar 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs 3-4 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks

 Tags:  easter cake and sweet bread sweet bread nut raisins cocoa pasta recipes