Slovenska Potica
A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry, often made for holidays and special occasions. This version features a rich walnut filling, but variations with tarragon, poppy seeds, or cottage cheese are also common. The dough is a sweet yeast dough, similar to brioche.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 200 ml Milk(lukewarm)
- 2 large Eggs(room temperature)
- 100 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 250 g Walnuts(finely ground)
- 150 g Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 large Egg yolk(for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk(for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp of sugar in lukewarm milk. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough consistency. - 3
Pour the yeast mixture and beaten eggs into the well. Gradually mix in the softened butter until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
💡 Tip: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - 4
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
⏱️ 1.5 hours💡 Tip: A slightly warm oven (turned off) is a good place for dough to rise. - 5
For the filling: In a bowl, combine ground walnuts, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Mix well.
💡 Tip: If the filling seems too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water or milk. - 6
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
💡 Tip: Aim for a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches. - 7
Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
💡 Tip: Ensure the filling is spread thinly and evenly to avoid tearing the dough. - 8
Starting from the long edge with the filling, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
💡 Tip: Roll tightly to ensure a good spiral in the finished potica. - 9
Carefully place the rolled dough into a greased bundt pan or a ring mold, seam-side down. You may need to gently shape it to fit.
- 10
Cover the potica and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 11
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Whisk together egg yolk and milk for the egg wash.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 12
Brush the top of the potica with the egg wash. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 50 minutes💡 Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil. - 13
Let the potica cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of your yeast is crucial for a good rise.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough after adding butter, as it can become tough.
- ✓Ensure the filling is not too wet, or it will make the dough soggy.
- ✓Potica is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Tarragon Potica (Pehtranova Potica): Use finely chopped fresh tarragon mixed with sugar for the filling.
- Poppy Seed Potica (Makova Potica): Use ground poppy seeds mixed with sugar and milk for the filling.
- Cottage Cheese Potica (Skutina Potica): Use sweetened cottage cheese with egg yolks and raisins for the filling.