Poteca Cake

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 1 hour + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Dec. 10, 2023
“Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats.” —Rachelle Stratton Rock Springs, Wyoming

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature, beaten
  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • FILLING:
  • 2 cups ground walnuts
  • 2 cups chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter with the milk; cool. Stir in egg yolks until blended. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; add butter mixture and yeast mixture. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes (dough will be sticky). Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the nuts, dates, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Cook and stir until mixture forms a paste. Transfer to a large bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Fold into nut mixture.
  5. Cut dough in half; on a floured surface, roll 1 portion into a 20-inch square. Spread with half of the filling. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style. Place, seam side up, in a greased 10-in. tube pan. Repeat with second portion; place, seam side down, over the first roll-up in the pan (layers will bake as 1 loaf).
  6. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 60-70 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 509 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.