Walnut Cake

Nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true tradition on our tables, evoking memories and moments of celebration. Whether it’s Christmas or Easter, or simply a family Sunday, this nut roll brings joy and flavor to every home. Preparing it may seem like a challenge, but with patience and a little skill, the result will be a fluffy, aromatic, and delicious nut roll. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 3 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 nut rolls

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon and one orange
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 5 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

For brushing the nut rolls:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Step by step for a perfect nut roll

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by sifting the flour 3 times a few hours before you begin preparing. This step will ensure a fluffier dough. Take the butter out of the fridge one hour before, so it is soft and easy to incorporate.

2. Flavoring the milk
In a pot, heat the milk (do not boil it!) and add the lemon and orange zest along with the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Mix well and let it cool a bit.

3. Preparing the starter
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons of warm milk and a tablespoon of flour. Stir gently and let it rise for 10-15 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface.

4. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, place the sifted flour and make a well in the center. Add the risen starter, a pinch of salt, the flavored milk, and the egg yolks mixed with sugar. Start kneading the dough with your fists and palms, gradually adding the soft butter. This process will take about 30 minutes. Wet your hands with butter to facilitate its incorporation into the dough. When the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for one hour.

5. Preparing the filling
While the dough rises, you can prepare the filling. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add 100 g of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue. In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with cocoa and rum essence. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the walnut mixture, being careful not to lose the air from the meringue.

6. Shaping the nut rolls
When the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a sheet the size of the nut roll pan. Evenly spread a quarter of the walnut mixture on each sheet. Roll the sheets and braid them two by two.

7. Rising and baking
Place the nut rolls in pans lined with parchment paper, brushed with a little oil. Let them rise again until they double in size, in the same warm place. After they have risen, brush them with a beaten egg mixed with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the nut rolls for about an hour, being careful not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes.

8. Cooling
Once the nut rolls are baked, do the skewer test. If it comes out clean, the nut rolls are ready. Take them out of the oven and sprinkle them with a little water. Cover them with 2-3 cotton towels to keep them moist and prevent the crust from cracking. Let them cool completely before slicing.

Chef's tip
For an extra flavor, you can also add some raisins or chocolate pieces to the walnut filling. Additionally, if you want a less sweet nut roll, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Nutritional benefits
The nut roll is not only delicious but also packed with beneficial nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. Although it is a calorie-rich dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; replace 50 g of fresh yeast with 15 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I keep the nut roll fresh longer?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it and defrost it when you crave something sweet.

3. What other recipes can this nut roll be combined with?
The nut roll pairs perfectly with a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream or vanilla sauce.

A personal note
Every year when I make this nut roll, I remember my grandmother who taught us the recipe. The smell of roasted nuts and vanilla brought by the risen dough was always a promise of the joy to come. I hope you too create beautiful memories around this nut roll, full of love and tradition. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough, you need: 1 kg of flour, 50 g of fresh yeast, 500 ml of milk, 100 g of butter, 250 g of sugar, 5 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of salt, lemon and orange zest, 2 packets of vanilla sugar. For the filling, you need: 250 g of ground walnuts, 5 egg whites, 100 g of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 pinch of salt, rum essence. To brush the loaves, you also need 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

 Tags:  recipes for sweet bread walnut cake nut cake sweet bread recipe nut