Nut Roll Coffee Cakes Recipes

FREEZER BRAIDED NUT ROLL (COFFEE CAKE)

Steps:

• GETTING READY:.
• Put out the eggs and margarine a few hours ahead to make sure they are "room temperature" before you begin. (TIP: margarine MUST be room temperature, but eggs may be warmed by cracking into a bowl and setting bowl into another bowl of hot water and stirring until the chill is removed)
• Measure 6 1/2 c flour into large bowl and then separate out 1 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup from the bowl for separate additions. You may not end up using all 6 1/2 cups in the recipe. I try not to use all the flour as too much flour makes the bread dry and not as "yeasty".
• FILLING.
• Mix together the filling ingredients, divide into 3 equal amounts and refrigerate while making dough.
• MAKING DOUGH:.
• Mix together 1 1/4 c flour, sugar, salt & yeast.
• Add margarine.
• Gradually add tap water & beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
• Add eggs and 1/4 cup flour.
• Beat on high for 2 minutes.
• Stir in enough flour to make soft dough (it will be soft and pliable and you can handle it without it sticking to your hands).
• Turn out on LIGHTLY floured board and knead for 8-10 minutes (today I use my Kitchenaid with a dough hook for 3-4 minutes).
• Divide dough into 3 equal pieces.
• Roll one piece into a 9 x 15 inch rectangle.
• Cut into 3 length-wise strips (3 x 15 each).
• Spread center of each strip with filling.
• Seal each one to make 3 ropes.
• Braid the 3 ropes, tucking ends under.
• Wrap loosely with plastic wrap and freeze.
• Repeat the process (steps 14-19) by rolling out, cutting, filling and braiding the remaining two piecies of dough.
• When frozen, wrap each of the braided nut rolls tightly in plastic wrap and hold in freezer up to 6 weeks).
• TO THAW and RAISE:.
• Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
• Let stand covered loosely with plastic wrap at room temperature 8-12 hours (overnight)until raised. Draft-free is better so I put mine in a unheated oven overnight for this step.
• TO BAKE:.
• Remove plastic wrap.
• Put bread in oven, set timer for 12-15 minutes and start oven at 375. (Bread will raise a little more during pre-heating, OR preheat oven at 375 and bake for 10-13 minutes. I've done it both ways).
• Top should be slightly golden - don't let bottom get too brown.
• Remove from oven and drizzle with glaze.
• Serve while warm.
• Enjoy!