Are you ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to Hungary? Introducing the Kalacs Rolled Walnut Bread, a heavenly treat that combines the rich flavors of ground walnuts with a hint of sweetness from honey and vanilla. This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a comforting snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a loaf that will impress your family and friends. So grab your apron and get ready to bake something extraordinary—your kitchen is about to fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the walnut filling. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ground walnuts with 1/4 cup of honey. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it back to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the walnut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under to create a loaf shape.
- Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it with a towel, and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes until it has puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious Kalacs Rolled Walnut Bread!
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not too hot (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast properly. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving your bread that perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven for a minute, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
- Walnut Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with the walnut filling! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor, or even mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If it’s still soft and doughy, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Storage Tips: To keep your Kalacs fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to slice it first for easy thawing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
