German Nut Roll
German Nut Roll is a sweet, nut-filled pastry with a buttery crust and rich filling, perfect for holiday gatherings or a delightful treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a pastry blender to cut butter into flour and yeast until well mixed.
- Mix warm water, eggs, and sugar into the dry ingredients.
- Cover and let stand overnight in the refrigerator in a large covered bowl.
- Divide the dough into 4 parts.
- Roll each part thin into a rectangle.
- Combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, and crushed graham crackers to make the filling.
- Divide the filling into four parts.
- Spread each portion over the rolled dough and roll up.
- Bake 2 rolls at a time at 350°F on a cookie sheet until browned.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier dough, ensure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour and yeast. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Allow the dough to rest overnight to develop flavor and texture. If you're short on time, letting it rest for at least 2 hours at room temperature is a good alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the German Nut Roll warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. Consider serving with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover nut rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Nut Roll contains roughly 2452 calories, with 36g protein, 388g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (89% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2464mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can substitute with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the filling.
What if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast packet, and ensure that your warm water is around 110°F—too hot can kill the yeast. If your dough is too cold, it may simply need more time in a warm environment to rise.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance! Prepare it as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).