Walnut Roll Gužvara

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy bakery where the aroma of roasted walnuts and sweet cinnamon wafts through the air, inviting passersby to indulge in warm, heavenly pastries. The Walnut Roll Gužvara is a cherished recipe that captures this essence—a delightful blend of flaky dough, crunchy walnuts, and a rich brown sugar filling wrapped into a beautiful, golden-brown spiral. This dish isn’t just a treat; it’s a little piece of tradition and comfort wrapped in layers of love and flavor.

Baking this walnut roll is like crafting a warm hug in pastry form. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or sharing with friends over a cup of tea, this recipe combines simple ingredients into something utterly special. Let’s bring a touch of that bakery magic into your home kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) milk
• 2 large beaten eggs
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (140 g) walnuts, chopped
• 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup (67 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Milk, for glazing
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Step-by-step

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything together and knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, until doubled in size.
3. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead lightly to deflate. Divide it into two equal halves.
4. Roll each half into an oblong shape, approximately 12 inches by 8 inches.
5. In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling. Spread half of this mixture evenly over each dough rectangle.
6. Carefully roll each oblong into a tight spiral, about 12 inches long, ensuring the filling stays enclosed.
7. Place the two rolls side by side on a greased baking sheet, touching each other. Cover and let them rise for about 40 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
9. Once out of the oven, brush the warm tops with a little milk and sift generously with icing sugar.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top before baking.
• Serve your Walnut Roll Gužvara warm or at room temperature, with a dusting of extra icing sugar or a drizzle of honey for an added touch of sweetness.

Closing thoughts

Baking a Walnut Roll Gužvara is a wonderful way to create a treat filled with rustic charm and comforting flavors. The combination of tender dough, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts offers a sensory journey that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast delight or a cozy dessert, this pastry promises to bring a warm slice of tradition right into your home. Happy baking!