Description
A beautiful and rich Croatian Walnut Roll, filled with ground walnuts and a hint of lemon zest, traditionally enjoyed during the holidays.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1.7 oz (50 g) sugar
- 17.6 oz (500 g) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 2.1 oz (60 g) butter
- 1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 17.6 oz (500 g) ground walnuts
- 3.5 oz (100 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with lukewarm milk, a pinch of sugar, and a pinch of flour. Let it sit in a warm place for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg, butter, and lemon zest. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- For the filling, combine ground walnuts, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Place the roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the roll with beaten egg yolk.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Make sure the dough is soft for a light and fluffy texture. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in volume for best results. The filling should not be too dry or too liquid to ensure proper baking. This roll can be shaped into a wreath for a festive presentation. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 40