Are you looking for a delicious and comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Amish Nut Roll recipe! This sweet treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Its rich, nutty filling encased in soft, tender dough is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe offers a delightful balance of homemade cooking and easy recipes, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Let's get started on this journey to baking bliss!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This allows the dough to develop its characteristic flavour and texture.
Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, spreadable filling.
- Stir in cinnamon, pecans, and walnuts. Mix well to evenly distribute the delicious ingredients.
Assembling and Baking the Nut Roll:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches). Make sure the dough is evenly rolled to ensure even baking.
- Spread the nut filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seam to seal and place the roll seam-down in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Let the nut roll cool slightly in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Feel free to add other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the filling. Experiment with different nut combinations for unique flavor profiles.
- You can also add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- For a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled nut roll.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Amish Nut Roll recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. It’s a wonderful dessert for any occasion, and the homemade cooking process will leave you feeling satisfied and proud of your baking skills. Enjoy!