Slovenian-inspired Yeasted Nut Cake Potica is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This traditional cake features a rich filling of hazelnuts, spices, and chocolate, all wrapped in a soft and fluffy dough. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend treat, Potica is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its unique flavor and comforting texture, it embodies the essence of Slovenian baking.
Ingredients:
- 42 g fresh yeast (1.5 oz)
- 650 g ground hazelnuts (23 oz)
- 4 tbsp milk lukewarm (60 ml)
- 4 1/2 tbsp sugar (65 g)
- 665 g flour (23.5 oz)
- 140 ml milk (0.6 cups)
- 500 ml heavy cream (2 cups)
- 1 tsp salt (5 g)
- 240 g unsalted butter (8.5 oz)
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 orange (zest)
- 2 eggs
- 150 g brown sugar (5.3 oz)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2 g)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (1 g)
- 150 g bittersweet chocolate (chopped) (5.3 oz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) (30 g)
- 150 g unsalted butter (soft) (5.3 oz)
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey (60 g)
- flour for dusting
- confectioners sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Combine yeast, lukewarm milk, and parts of the sugar and flour in a bowl and mix well. Set aside until bubbly. Combine milk and heavy cream in a separate bowl.
- Stir remaining flour and salt together. Cream most of the butter with remaining sugar in a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add risen yeast mixture and mix well. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, alternating with milk and cream mixture, mixing well after each addition with a dough hook. Turn dough out of the bowl and knead for at least 2 minutes, or until a smooth and shiny dough forms. Sprinkle with flour, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for approximately 2 hours.
- For the filling, zest the orange. Beat the eggs. Add cream to a small pot and bring to a boil. Scald ground nuts with boiling cream, add butter, and cool. Add beaten eggs, sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Turn dough out onto a clean work surface and roll to 1/2 or 1/4 inch thickness. Spread filling evenly in a thin layer over dough all the way to the edges. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and roll the dough into a tight log.
- Transfer the log to a baking dish in an S-shape. Cover with a towel and let rise until double in size, approximately 1 hour. Brush with melted butter, then bake for approximately 1 hour at 180°C/350°F or until golden brown and baked through. Cover with a kitchen towel until cooled completely.
- Beat softened butter with honey until light and airy. Serve with sliced Potica and enjoy your meal.
How to serve Slovenian-inspired Yeasted Nut Cake Potica
To serve this delicious Slovenian-inspired Yeasted Nut Cake Potica, slice it into generous pieces. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful presentation. Pair Potica with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It is also excellent for special occasions, holidays, and share with friends and family at gatherings. Enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional cake, and savor each bite.