If you're a fan of rich, buttery pastries with a touch of sweetness and texture from nuts, this rolled pastry with plum jam and walnut filling is sure to be a hit. It's a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. The soft dough combined with the sweet plum jam and crunchy walnuts makes every bite delightful. Here's the recipe for you to try, along with a few tips for achieving the perfect pastry.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 3 egg yolks and 1 whole egg: These provide richness and structure to the dough.
- 200g butter: Softened butter gives the dough its tender, flaky texture.
- 6 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the dough. (You might want to adjust this amount if you like a sweeter dough, as it wasn’t sweet enough for some.)
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and helps the dough come together.
- 180g sour cream (pavlaka): This gives the dough a rich, soft texture.
- 500g all-purpose flour: The main base for the dough. You may need a little extra flour, so keep some on hand.
- 1 packet of baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become light.
- 1 vanilla sugar packet: Adds a lovely vanilla flavor to the dough.
- Aromatic lemon or orange zest (optional): For a citrusy scent and taste that complements the sweet filling.
For the Filling:
- 400g plum jam: The jam brings sweetness and a slightly tart flavor, which balances the richness of the dough and nuts.
- 150g ground walnuts: The walnuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor, enhancing the filling.
For the Walnut Meringue Topping:
- 3 egg whites: They form the base of the meringue, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- 100g sugar: Sweetens the meringue.
- 2 vanilla sugar packets: Adds flavor to the meringue.
- 200g ground walnuts: Adds texture and flavor to the meringue.
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 100g chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate for the glaze.
- 4 tablespoons milk: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
- 80g butter: Adds richness to the glaze.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and the egg yolks with the whole egg. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Then, add the milk, sour cream, and vanilla sugar. Mix well.
Next, gradually add the flour and baking powder, sifted together. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour (you may need an additional 100g). Divide the dough into 5 equal portions, though you can choose to make more smaller portions if you prefer.
2. Shape the Pastry:
Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle. Spread a generous layer of plum jam on the dough and sprinkle with ground walnuts. Carefully roll up each portion, making sure to leave about two fingers of space in the middle for the filling.
Once you’ve rolled up all the portions, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Walnut Meringue:
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with sugar and vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. Once the meringue is ready, gently fold in the ground walnuts.
Transfer the walnut meringue mixture into a piping bag, then pipe it in the center of each rolled pastry, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake the Pastry:
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the pastries for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Once the pastries are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Add the Chocolate Glaze:
For the glaze, melt the chocolate, milk, and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth and shiny.
Drizzle the melted chocolate glaze over the cooled pastries, spreading it with a silicone brush or a spoon for an even coating. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate glaze has set, these rolled pastries are ready to be served. The combination of buttery dough, sweet plum jam, crunchy walnuts, and the rich chocolate glaze creates a perfect dessert. Enjoy these pastries with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family at your next gathering.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar content in the dough to your liking. Some may prefer a sweeter dough, especially if the jam is a bit tart.
- Storage: These pastries store well in an airtight container for a few days, so they’re perfect for preparing ahead of time.
These rolled pastries are not only delicious but also offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The sweet plum jam, crunchy walnuts, and rich chocolate glaze make for a treat that's hard to resist. Try making them yourself and enjoy the delicious result!
