European Desserts > Finnish Desserts > Joulutorttus

Hazelnut-Coffee Joulutorttu Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until just blended.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then brush the top with the brewed coffee.
8. Cut into wedges and serve.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can substitute with vegan margarine.
- For the sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar.
- For the eggs, you can substitute with flax eggs.
- For the hazelnuts, you can substitute with almonds or walnuts.

Variations:
- For a more intense coffee flavor, you can use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
- For a different flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter.
- For a sweeter dessert, you can sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to preheat the oven before baking.
- Grease and flour the pan before adding the batter.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before brushing with coffee.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of brewed coffee to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

Food History:
Joulutorttu is a traditional Finnish dessert that is usually served during the Christmas season. It is a light and fluffy cake that is flavored with coffee and topped with chopped hazelnuts.

Flavor Profiles:
This dessert has a rich and nutty flavor with a hint of coffee.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert after a holiday meal or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Region: Finnish

Taste: Rich, Nutty, Sweet, Coffee, Coffee-Flavored