Slovenian Walnut Roll

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, lukewarm 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, lukewarm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (200g) ground walnuts 2 cups (200g) ground walnuts
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the ground walnuts, sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well until the filling is evenly combined.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle of approximately 12x16 inches.
7. 7.
   Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
8. 8.
   Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the greased baking dish, seam side down. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the Slovenian Walnut Roll in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    While the roll is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
11. 11.
    Once the roll is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the top.
12. 12.
    Slice and serve the Slovenian Walnut Roll warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Ensure that the walnuts are finely ground for a smooth and even filling texture.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date and testing it in lukewarm milk with a pinch of sugar before using.
• Milk — Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast and aids in dough fermentation. Heat the milk gently until it reaches a temperature of around 37°C (98°F).

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of rum or brandy to the walnut filling.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar or crushed walnuts on top of the glaze.
• If the dough is too sticky while rolling, lightly flour the surface and rolling pin.
• Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Serve the Slovenian Walnut Roll with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Serving advice

Serve the Slovenian Walnut Roll as a delightful dessert or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

When presenting the Slovenian Walnut Roll, slice it into beautiful rounds to showcase the swirls of the filling. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.