Walnut Roll Gužvara

Walnut Roll Gužvara

Walnut Roll Gužvara is a delightful sweet bread featuring a rich, spiced walnut filling wrapped in tender yeast dough. The braised golden crust with a dusting of icing sugar makes it perfect for teatime or dessert.

Dessert

Prep Time

45 min

Cook Time

35 min

Servings

8

Walnut Roll Gužvara is a traditional pastry cherished in many Balkan households, known for its comforting aroma and rustic charm. This dish combines a soft, yeast-leavened dough with a fragrant filling of ground walnuts sweetened and spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The rolling and braiding technique ensures each bite captures the nutty sweetness wrapped in a light, airy bread, making it a festive addition to holiday tables or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of black tea or coffee, enhancing the warm spices and nutty richness. This recipe balances authentic preparation with approachable steps, allowing home bakers to experience a slice of cultural heritage. The final brush of milk gives the roll a lovely sheen, and the sprinkle of icing sugar adds a sweet finish that contrasts the mildly spiced filling.

Ingredients

  • 450 g Flour
  • 55 g Caster Sugar
  • 2 part Yeast
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 6 oz Milk
  • 2 beaten Eggs
  • 30 g Butter
  • 140 g Walnuts
  • 85 g Butter
  • 85 g Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • To Glaze Milk
  • To Glaze Icing Sugar

Instructions

Begin by combining the flour, caster sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the milk, beaten eggs, and softened butter, stirring continuously to bring the dough together. Knead the mixture thoroughly on a floured surface until you achieve a smooth and elastic texture. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, roughly 2 hours. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air and knead lightly to prepare for shaping. Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Roll each piece into oblong shapes approximately 12 inches by 8 inches. In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Spread the walnut filling evenly over each dough piece, making sure to cover the surface entirely. Carefully roll each oblong up tightly from the long edge to form two neat, 12-inch sausage-shaped rolls. Place the rolls side by side on a well-greased baking sheet, ensuring they touch to support each other's rise. Cover them once more and let them prove for about 40 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 200ºC (425ºF). Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread has risen beautifully and developed a golden-brown crust. The bread should sound hollow when you tap the base, indicating it's fully baked. Remove the rolls from the oven and while still hot, brush the tops generously with milk to give a lovely, shiny finish. Once cooled slightly, sift a generous layer of icing sugar over the top for an elegant touch. Tip: For extra flavor depth, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them into the filling. This enhances their nuttiness and adds a subtle crunch to the texture.

Quick Info

Prep Time
45 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
80 min
Servings
8

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