Cocoa and Walnut Cake
Cocoa and Walnut Cake: A Family Recipe for Unforgettable Moments
The cocoa and walnut cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition that brings back childhood memories, of days spent in mom's kitchen, where the warm aroma of freshly baked cake filled the house. This recipe is mom's version, which never fails and will delight you with every slice. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and baking takes about 1 hour, making this cake a perfect choice for holidays or when you want to impress someone dear.
Here’s how to prepare this delicious cake step by step.
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg flour 000
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 250 g sugar
- 150-200 g oil (for kneading)
- 0.5 l sweet milk
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon
- Vanilla essence
Ingredients for the filling:
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons cocoa
- Chopped walnuts (to taste)
Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- Sweet milk
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 cakes
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, so as not to destroy the yeast. If you have time, take the eggs out of the fridge a few hours before preparation to be at room temperature. The lemon zest adds a fresh aroma, so ensure it is fresh and well washed.
Step 2: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, pour a little warm milk (about 100 ml) and add the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for ensuring a good rising of the dough.
Step 3: Kneading the dough
Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the sugar, salt, and grated lemon zest. In the middle of the flour, make a well and pour in the warm milk (not hot), beaten eggs, and activated yeast. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, then switch to kneading by hand.
During the kneading process, gradually add the warm oil. Continue kneading for about 30 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. It is important to invest time in this step, as a well-kneaded dough will rise beautifully and have a fluffy texture.
Step 4: Rising the dough
Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This moment is perfect for preparing the filling.
Step 5: Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the sugar with cocoa and chopped walnuts. You can adjust the amount of walnuts according to your taste, but remember that walnuts add extra texture and flavor to the cake.
Step 6: Shaping the cakes
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal pieces. On a floured work surface, roll each piece into a rectangle about 0.8-1 cm thick. Sprinkle the filling evenly over each sheet of dough, then carefully roll them up, forming a log.
After rolling each piece, braid two logs together and place them in baking trays lined with parchment paper. Let them rise again for 1 hour, covered with a towel.
Step 7: Baking the cakes
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing the cakes in the oven, brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake for about 1 hour, or until they turn golden and the filling starts to ooze from the rolls.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the cakes are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the trays for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve them warm, sliced, alongside a cup of milk or a fragrant tea.
Grandma's Tip
If you want to add a special touch to your cake, you can incorporate some raisins or even pieces of dark chocolate into the filling. These will add a unique taste and texture.
Variations
For a cake with different flavors, you can replace the cocoa with carob powder or add rum essence to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.
Nutritional Benefits
The cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for busy days. Walnuts are rich in proteins and healthy fats, and cocoa contains antioxidants, being beneficial for heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake once it has completely cooled. You can keep it in food wrap, and when you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature.
2. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and follow the same steps for activation.
3. How can I tell if the cake is well baked?
You can do the toothpick test: poke the cake in the center, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Serving
This cocoa and walnut cake is perfect for festive meals, but also for a delicious snack alongside coffee or tea. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy the beautiful memories it creates.
The cake is more than just a dessert; it is a way to bring people together and create memorable moments. So, I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every slice! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: dough: 1 kg all-purpose flour 000 3 eggs at room temperature 250 g sugar 150-200 g oil for kneading 0.5 l sweet milk 20 g fresh yeast 1 teaspoon salt grated lemon zest vanilla essence filling: 8 tablespoons sugar 8 tablespoons cocoa chopped nuts brushed: egg yolk sweet milk
