Walnut and poppy seed cake

Nut Roll with Walnut and Poppy Seed – A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 3 nut rolls

The nut roll with walnut and poppy seed is a dessert that blends tradition and unique flavors, often associated with holidays and special moments in our lives. This recipe is a delicious variation inspired by Laura Laurentiu's recipe, promising to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a festive meal or simply to treat yourself, this nut roll will fill your home with divine aromas.

Necessary Ingredients

To achieve the best nut rolls, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour (choose a good quality flour with a high gluten content for a fluffy texture)
- 360 ml milk (slightly warmed, not hot)
- 200 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more intense flavor)
- 6 egg yolks (preferably from free-range eggs for a more vibrant color)
- 2 whole eggs
- 200 g butter (melted, but not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 20 g fresh yeast or 14 g dry yeast (check the expiration date to ensure it is active)
- Zest of 1 lemon (freshly grated for added flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or vanilla extract)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for a refined taste)

Walnut filling:
- 300 g walnuts (finely ground)
- 300 g sugar
- 4 egg whites (beaten until stiff)
- Rum essence (to taste)

Poppy seed filling:
- 150 g poppy seeds (ground)
- 75 ml milk (hot)
- 5 tablespoons sugar

For finishing:
- 1 egg (for a glossy finish)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. Mix 20 g of fresh yeast (or 14 g of dry yeast) with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a little warm milk. Let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt to introduce air and achieve a fluffier dough. Add the lemon zest, vanilla, and rum essence.
3. In another bowl, mix the warm milk with the remaining sugar and the egg yolks. Beat them lightly with a fork until homogeneous. Add the activated yeast to this mixture.
4. Pour the milk and yeast mixture over the flour. Mix well with a spatula or a stand mixer, then add the melted butter. Let the mixer knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
5. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Prepare the fillings
1. While the dough is rising, prepare the walnut filling. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then gradually add the sugar, mixing until you obtain a glossy foam. Fold in the ground walnuts and rum essence.
2. For the poppy seed filling, pour the ground poppy seeds into the bowl with hot milk and add the sugar. Mix well and let it cool.

Step 3: Shape the rolls
1. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Divide it into 3 equal parts.
2. Each part can be divided into two, resulting in 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangular sheet.
3. On the first sheet, spread one-third of the walnut filling, and on the second sheet, one-third of the poppy seed filling. Roll each sheet, then twist them together.
4. Place each roll in a greased baking pan or lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

Step 4: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top for a crunchy appearance.
2. Bake the rolls for 10 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to low and bake for another 30 minutes until they are golden brown and light to the touch.
3. Remove them from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack. Resist the temptation to cut them while they are still warm!

Helpful Tips
- To achieve an even more aromatic roll, you can add a bit of cocoa to the walnut filling or replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- If you want to try a gluten-free version, use a special gluten-free flour, making sure to adjust the liquid quantities accordingly.
- The nut roll can be kept fresh for a few days at room temperature, but it is also delicious toasted, served with butter and fruit jam.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A medium nut roll contains approximately 300-400 calories per slice, but it is rich in protein due to the nuts and eggs. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, while poppy seeds provide a significant amount of calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace walnuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use ground hazelnuts or almonds for a different variation.
- How can I tell if the rolls are baked?
The rolls are done when they turn golden on the outside and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
- Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, the rolls can be frozen. Make sure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Serving and Pairings
The nut roll with walnut and poppy seed is perfect served plain, but it can be accompanied by a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. It also pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine or aromatic coffee. You can add a bit of butter or fruit jam on freshly cut slices to enhance the flavors.

In conclusion, the nut roll with walnut and poppy seed is more than just a dessert – it is a culinary experience that brings tradition to your table. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for 3 sweet breads: 1 kg of high-quality flour 360 ml of milk 200 g of sugar 6 egg yolks 2 whole eggs 200 g of melted butter 1 pinch of salt 20 g of fresh yeast or 14 g of dry yeast lemon zest, vanilla, rum essence Filling with walnuts: 300 g of ground walnuts 300 g of sugar 4 egg whites rum essence Filling with poppy seeds: 150 g of ground poppy seeds 75 ml of milk 5 tablespoons of sugar For finishing: 1 egg sugar

 Tags:  sweet bread nut mac yeast dough