Baigli - walnut roll

Walnut Baigli - The Aromatic Cake from the Heart of the Family

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 servings

The Walnut Baigli cake is a family recipe that reminds us of moments spent together around the table during chilly winter days. This delicacy is not just a simple dessert but a true culinary experience, combining the fluffy texture of the dough with a rich filling of walnuts and enticing aromas. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for holidays or any time you want to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Ingredients Needed

- 2 whole eggs
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 125 g of butter (preferably unsalted, brought to room temperature)
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Flour, as needed (approximately 450 g, but it's good to have a little extra for kneading)
- 2 beaten egg whites (for the walnut filling)
- Sugar, 2-3 tablespoons (for the walnut mixture)
- A little rum essence (for a deeper flavor)

A Brief History
The Baigli cake is a traditional recipe often associated with winter holidays. This delicacy has been brought into family kitchens for generations, symbolizing conviviality and love within the family. Each housewife has her own version, and the secret lies in choosing quality ingredients and the preparation technique.

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the flour (start with less) and salt. After the yeast has activated, add it to the bowl along with the eggs, softened butter, and the remaining sugar. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading the Dough
Start kneading the dough, gradually adding flour until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This process may take about 10-15 minutes. Once you have a tender dough, shape it into a ball and let it rise in a warm place, covered with a clean cloth, for 1 hour.

4. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grind the walnuts and mix them with sugar and rum essence. Then, add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently until you get a uniform composition.

5. Shaping the Rolls
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each part into a thin rectangular sheet. Leave about a finger's width at the top edge. This will help prevent cracking during baking.

6. Filling and Rolling
Evenly spread the walnut mixture over each sheet. Start rolling the dough from the bottom edge towards the top edge, making sure to leave the thicker edge at the end. Rolling from the center outwards will help maintain the shape.

7. Preparing for Baking
Place the rolls obtained in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brushing with an egg yolk mixed with a little honey will add a delicious shine to the cakes.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the cakes for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 20 minutes. A protective tray under the cake tray will help prevent the bottom from burning.

9. Cooling and Serving
Once the cakes are ready, let them cool on a rack. When completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Choose a good quality flour, ideal for cakes, to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Walnuts: Walnuts can be lightly toasted before grinding to enhance the flavor.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water for a vegan version of this cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, but the taste will vary.

2. How can I tell if the cake is baked?
The cake is ready when it turns golden and, if you tap it gently on the bottom, it should sound hollow.

3. How to keep the cake fresh longer?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it, cut into slices.

Serving and Pairing
The Baigli cake can be enjoyed plain or alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. A serving of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can add an extra touch of refinement. It is also delicious paired with a sweet wine or a liqueur for an elegant dessert.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of Baigli contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, providing good energy and supporting heart health.

This walnut cake recipe is not just a treat but also a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy the magic of this traditional dessert!

 Ingredients: 2 whole eggs, 15 tablespoons of sugar, 125 grams of butter, 25 grams of yeast, half a cup of warm milk, a pinch of salt, flour as needed (around 450 grams), 2 beaten egg whites for the mixture made with ground walnuts, enough egg white until we obtain a thick cream, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, a little rum essence.

 Tags:  baigli sweet bread nut easter recipes