Bake Classic Slovak Nut Bread and Enjoy Flavors of Autumn
Welcome, baking enthusiasts! I am thrilled to share with you a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations – Slovak Nut Bread Recipe. This is a special type of sweet bread that comes with savory and nutty surprises.
As we delve deeper into this recipe, you will discover that it is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The aroma of freshly baked Slovak Nut Bread will surely fill your kitchen in no time.
In Slovakia, this type of bread is called orechovnik or nut roll, which signifies the main ingredient- the ground walnuts in the filling. This desert-like bread is perfect for breakfast, snack or even dessert after meals. Once you take a bite of this delicious sweet bread, I guarantee that you’ll want to make this recipe time and again.
So go ahead and dust off your mixing bowls and preheat your oven because we’re about to make excellent-quality Slovak Nut Bread that belongs at every one of our tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of delicious, sweet bread with a decadent nutty flavor? Then you are in for a treat with this Slovak Nut Bread recipe! This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks or brunches, and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
One of the reasons you will love this recipe is its unique flavors that come from the combination of the sweet yeast dough and the flavorful nut filling made with freshly ground walnuts. The recipe also calls for sour cream and butter, which add richness and moisture to the bread. The aroma of the warm baking bread filled with the nutty fragrance is sure to make your mouth water.
Another reason why you should try out this recipe is its versatility. You can make small Nut Rolls or a larger Slovakian Walnut Roll. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a special treat for yourself. You can even experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to create your own twist on this traditional Slovakian dish.
In addition, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. You can make it using basic ingredients you may already have in your pantry, such as flour, sugar, butter and baking soda. Even if you are new to baking or just starting to explore new recipes, this recipe is a great place to start.
In conclusion, if you want to indulge in a truly delicious sweet bread that will satisfy your cravings for something nutty and flavorful, then you must try making this Slovak Nut Bread Recipe at least once! It’s a great way to honor your heritage or explore new cultures through cooking. You’ll be delighted with the results and may even start a new family tradition of making nut rolls!
Ingredient List
- 1 fresh yeast cake or 1 pack of active dry yeast
- ¾ cup milk, lukewarm
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 and 3/4 cups flour, sifted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
For Nut Filling:
- 4 cups ground walnuts
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- Poppy seeds for dusting
Note: In the US, fresh yeast cakes can be found in specialty stores, but if unavailable you can substitute with a packet of active dry yeast.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the recipe how-to.
STEP 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by crumbling fresh yeast cake into a mixing bowl. Then add ½ cup of sugar and let it rest until bubbles form.
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and combine with 1 cup of sour cream, 2 egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Add this mixture to the yeast mixture.
Add 3 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in small increments while stirring. Mix all the ingredients together until the dough starts pulling away from the edges of the mixing bowl.
Knead the dough on a floured work surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Brush a bowl lightly with vegetable oil, put in the dough, cover it and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles its size.
STEP 2: Prepare the Nut Filling
Create a filling by combining 4 cups ground walnuts, 1 cup of sugar, and 3 egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 ½ cups of milk, stirring constantly, then set aside to cool.
STEP 3: Assemble the Nut Roll
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and let sit for another 10 minutes.
Roll out the dough onto a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Spread the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space at each end.
Starting at one end, roll up tightly to form a log, tucking in both ends to seal it shut. Place carefully onto a greased baking sheet, cover again with tea towel and leave to rest for another hour in warm place.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the top with melted butter before baking for about an hour or until golden brown.
Allow your Slovak nut bread to cook completely before slicing into pieces to serve.
Enjoy this delicious sweet bread that is perfect for any occasion or as treat any time of day!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add some variety to your Slovak Nut Bread? Here are some ideas for substitutions and recipe variations that will keep things interesting!
– Walnut Roll: Instead of making nut rolls, try making just one large walnut roll. This variation is a great option if you don’t have the time or patience to make individual nut rolls.
– Poppy Seed Roll: Another traditional Slovakian pastry is the poppy seed roll. Instead of using ground walnuts for the filling, try using a mixture of poppy seeds and sugar.
– Cream Cheese Filling: For an extra creamy twist, try adding cream cheese to the filling mixture. Simply mix together softened cream cheese with ground walnuts, sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
– Baking Powder: If you don’t have fresh yeast cake on hand, you can substitute baking powder for the yeast. Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour.
– Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid amounts slightly as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to follow the basic recipe instructions for forming and baking the dough. And remember, these variations are just suggestions – feel free to get creative and come up with your own unique spin on this classic Slovakian treat!
Serving and Pairing
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Slovak Nut Bread filling your kitchen. Once you’ve successfully baked this delicious sweet bread, the real excitement begins – enjoying it!
When it comes to serving and pairing options, there are numerous ways to enjoy this classic treat. The simple yet rich flavor of the nut filling pairs well with a variety of beverages, making the bread an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack alongside your afternoon coffee. For a traditional Slovak experience, serve a warm slice of nut roll with a cup of hot tea or cocoa.
If you’re looking to do something more creative, try serving slices of the nut bread drizzled with a sweet glaze made from sugar and vanilla. This adds an extra layer of sweetness which pairs well with tart and tangy fruits such as berries or citrus.
For those looking to make a real statement at their next event or gathering, consider creating a spread featuring Slovak Nut Bread alongside other Slovakian dishes such as poppy seed Palacinky (thin pancakes) or Kolache, a similar pastry made with cream cheese or different fruit fillings.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the Slovak Nut Bread recipe is sure to become a family favorite and leave your taste buds wanting more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve tried this Slovak Nut Bread recipe, you are likely to want to make it again and again. Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation and foresight, you can easily make the bread ahead of time or store it for later.
If you’re making the bread ahead of time, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before storing it in an air-tight container. It’s important to let the bread cool properly first so that it doesn’t get soggy or stale. Once properly cooled, the bread can be stored in the container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the nut bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then wrap the bread loaf in aluminum foil and warm it up in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will bring back its fresh-baked aroma and taste.
For an even longer shelf life, you can also freeze the nut bread. Wrap the cooled loaf securely in plastic wrap and then place it into an airtight container before freezing. Frozen nut bread can last for up to two months.
When you’re ready to eat frozen nut bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw completely at room temperature before reheating as directed above. This recipe is great because you don’t have to worry about losing any of its delicious sweet flavors even after being frozen.
It’s important to note that when storing nut rolls or Slovak Nut Bread, do not keep them with other strong-smelling foods such as onions or garlic as they tend to absorb odors very quickly.
With these storage tips, you’ll never have to worry about not having fresh nut bread within reach. Just pop it in the oven or thaw and enjoy anytime on its flavorful own, with a spread of butter or cream cheese pairing along with hot tea or coffee makes one indulgent breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the things that make Slovak Nut Bread Recipe special is it’s delicious nut filling that complements the soft and fluffy texture of the bread. However, baking this bread could be challenging for some home bakers. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
Firstly, make sure to use fresh yeast cake for your dough. This will ensure that your bread rises properly and will have a good texture. Using expired yeast can cause flat and heavy bread.
Secondly, creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy before adding other ingredients can make a huge difference in the outcome of the bread. This process helps to incorporate air into the dough which leads to a lighter texture after baking.
Thirdly, when rolling out the dough, make sure to sprinkle some flour underneath and on top of your dough. This will prevent sticking when rolling out the dough and will make it easier to handle.
Fourthly, use high-quality ingredients such as fresh ground walnuts, sour cream, and butter melted for the filling. This will enhance the flavor of your bread making it even more delicious.
Fifthly, do not overfill your bread with nut filling as it can spill out during baking. Use around 1 1/2 cups of filling for every two loaves of bread.
Lastly, make sure to wrap your baked bread in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before storing them in a cool and dry place. This will help to maintain the freshness and softness of the bread.
By following these simple tips, you can guarantee that your Slovak Nut Bread Recipe will become a family favorite!
FAQ
Once you’ve tried this delicious Slovak Nut Bread recipe, you might have some questions about the process or ingredients. Don’t worry, in this section we’ll cover some of the most common questions and provide answers to help ensure your baking success. Keep reading to get solutions that will make your next baking endeavor smooth and stress-free!
Where are kolachi rolls from?
A Kolache roll is a pastry that is derived from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is made by enveloping the dough around a filling, varying from sweet to savory.
How do you keep nut rolls from cracking?
When making nut rolls, it’s important to strike the perfect balance of flour and bake time. Too much flour can result in unsightly cracks while overbaking can cause the rolls to dry out and crack as well. To avoid these issues, be mindful of the amount of flour you’re using and keep a close eye on your oven to ensure your nut rolls come out perfectly intact. Keep in mind that every oven is unique, so use the given cook time as a guideline rather than a hard-and-fast rule.
What is another name for nut roll?
There are a variety of regional names for nut rolls, depending on the country and culture. Some common examples include orechovník in Slovak, makowiec in Polish, potica, povitica, gibanica, orahnjača/orehnjača in Slovenian and Serbo-Croatian, and kalács and bejgli in Hungarian.
Do nut rolls need to be refrigerated?
One great thing about nut rolls is that they can be easily stored for later enjoyment. To keep them fresh, store them in an air-tight container at room temperature. Another option is to freeze them in an air-tight freezer bag, and then placing that bag in a container to prevent any damage during freezing. This way, you can savor the decadent taste of nut rolls for months to come.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Slovak Nut Bread Recipe is a delicious and versatile recipe that everyone should try at least once. With its rich flavors, soft and chewy texture, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth.
You can enjoy this nut roll recipe as a dessert, snack or even breakfast. It’s easy to make and customize with different fillings and variations to suit your taste buds. Plus, the leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container and reheated for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Whether you are looking to impress your guests, bake something special for your family, or simply enjoy a homemade treat, the Slovak Nut Bread Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Slovak Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Crisco
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 fresh yeast cake
Filling
- 5 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 lb ground nuts
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and soda.
- Add egg yolks and sour cream to the flour mixture.
- Cut the dough like pie dough.
- Form the dough into four balls and refrigerate them over night.
- The next day, roll the dough with a rolling pin.
- Mix the nut filling ingredients.
- Spread, thinly on the dough.
- Roll the dough like a jelly roll.
- Brush the dough with an egg white bath.
- Place the dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 deg. for 25 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.