Classic Poppy Seed Roulade

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Dough base

1. 1
   Dissolve the yeast and tbsp of the sugar in the lukewarm milk and leave about 10 minutes, until the mixture foams.

   💡If the mixture doesn't foam in that time, the yeast is no longer active, or the water was too hot. Start over with fresh yeast and body-temperature water.
2. 2
   Mix the flour, rest of the sugar and salt in a large bowl.

   Bowl
3. 3
   Add the yeast mixture, the eggs and the butter and Knead about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pliable and doesn't stick to your hands.

   ⚙ KneadingBowlStand mixer

   💡For yeast dough, use the windowpane test: a small piece stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, and that's the sign the kneading is done. Add flour only by the tablespoon, and only if the dough is still sticky after a few minutes: too much flour makes a tough dough.
4. 4
   Cover and Let rise 1 hour in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel

   💡Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough is ready when it has doubled, and a gentle finger press leaves a dent that fills back slowly; if it springs right back, wait longer.

For the Pastry Filling

1. 5
   In a small pot, heat the milk, sugar and honey, add the poppy seeds and cook over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring, until the poppy seeds absorb the liquid.

   StoveSmall saucepan
2. 6
   Remove from the heat, stir in the cinnamon and let the filling cool completely before spreading.

To assemble

1. 7
   Roll out the dough into a 40 ×30 cm rectangle and spread the filling over it, then sprinkle the walnuts and raisins over it.

   ⚙ Rolling Out DoughRolling pin

   💡Roll from the center outward and give the dough a quarter turn between rolls: this keeps it even in thickness and stops it sticking to the counter. If it springs back, cover for 10–15 minutes and try again.
2. 8
   Roll into a tight log.
3. 9
   Roll into a tight log.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towelBaking pan
4. 10
   Beat the egg and brush the cake with it.

   ⚙ BakingOvenLoaf pan

   💡Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.