This Almond Nut Roll Recipe is a classic, sweet, yeast bread with a swirl of almond pastry filling. This recipe uses a shortcut where you just use canned almond cake and pastry filling (or almond paste); a homemade filling option is also included. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, and edible gift-giving as 1 recipe makes 8 nut rolls (12-13 slices each)!

Almond Nut Roll Recipe

Hi Everyone, I have a nut roll recipe for you that uses a shortcut and sometimes we all need a shortcut, don’t we?

This recipe is great for when you have the energy to make the bread dough (for 8 bread rolls) but when you get to the filling you’re like, ugh, I’m tired, how can this recipe be made easier?

I also include the ingredients and directions for making a homemade nut filling, if you want to try that too!

The result is a danish-like, pastry bread that goes great with coffee or tea!

There are 8 nut rolls in this 1 recipe so there’s enough if you want to give it away to friends and family or it’s perfect to make for a party or celebration.

What is a Nut Roll?

I just want to give a little background on the history of and what is a nut roll recipe:

According to Wikipedia:

A nut roll is a pastry consisting of a sweet yeast dough (usually using milk) that is rolled out very thin, spread with a nut paste made from ground nuts and a sweetener like honey, then rolled up into a log shape.[1] This ‘log’ is either left long and straight or is often bent into a horseshoe shape, egg washed, baked, and then sliced crosswise. Nut rolls resemble a jelly roll (Swiss roll) but usually with more layers of dough and filling, and resemble strudels but with fewer and less delicate dough layers. Fillings commonly have as their main ingredient ground walnuts or poppy seeds.

Nut rolls can be found in the United States and in Central European cuisines. In the United States, “nut roll” is a more or less generic name for pastries of this type, no matter where they originate.[2] Nut rolls are known also by many specific regional names, including: orechovník in Slovak; makowiec in Polish; potica, povitica, gibanica, orahnjača/orehnjača in Slovenian, Croatian and Serbian (walnut variant, makovnjača for variant with poppy seed, in Croatia can also be made with carob); kalács and bejgli in Hungarian; and pastiç (pastiche) or nokul in Turkish.

Regional variations on nut rolls are part of weddings, for Easter and Christmas, as well as other celebrations and holidays.

What’s the difference between Almond Pastry and Cake Filling or Almond paste?

Almond pastry and cake filling is more smooth, gel-like, similar to a danish or pie filling, it has fewer almonds in it. This filling is more likely to leak out from the bread roll because it’s more liquid, especially when hot. Make sure to allow the roll to fully cool before slicing it up. This filling is featured in the photos in this post.

Almond paste is firmer, opaque, off-white/beige, and coarse as compared to the almond pastry and cake filling.

To be clear, this filling is not Marzipan which is more of a candy-like almond confection used for decorating cakes and other desserts.

Both have almonds in them, smell and taste like almonds.

The “Solo” brand is a brand that is available widely in grocery stores in the United States and online for both products.

*I linked to both brands in the recipe card at the end of the post.

If you have a favorite brand of either type of product, let me know in the comments at the end of the post!

Using a Homemade Filling for Making Nut Roll

Of course, you also have the option to make your own nut filling if you want and have time for that extra step!

I prefer to do a combination of Almonds and Walnuts but you can use your favorite nuts and process them in a food processor with sugar (I like to use brown sugar for a rich, deep flavor), Wildflower honey and unsalted butter, and a little bit of salt. I will give my homemade option as well in the recipe card at the end of the post.

I have used Chocolate Ganache with success in this nut roll recipe, just make sure you spread it thin enough and put chill it (5-10 minutes) in the refrigerator until it gets harder so that you can roll it up and sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on it.

No matter what filling you use, make sure to make it 1/8-inch and no thicker than 1/4-inch thick because if it’s overfilled, the layers will weigh down the bread and you won’t get those beautiful swirls inside when you slice it (it will probably taste just fine though! It depends what you want).

RELATED: Dark Brown Sugar (Homemade)

Can You Substitute The Sour Cream for Regular Yogurt or Greek Yogurt?

Sour cream is the ideal ingredient because of its tangy flavor for this sweet, yeast bread but the recipe still works if you need to make a substitution.

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream ingredient in the yeast bread for the same amount of regular plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt (better because it’s more like sour cream).

RELATED: Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies

Using a glaze topping

The Almond Nut Roll is great on its own but if you want to have something a little extra and sweet to go with this bread, try topping it with an icing glaze!

I have a simple icing glaze using powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk that I have included in the recipe card if you want to add the glaze.

I suggest using the glaze just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.

Chai Spice Icing Glaze would be delicious with this recipe too.

RELATED: Simple Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe Attribution

This recipe idea came from my friend Anne who used to make this type of bread for her family; it came from a Polish recipe passed down in her family.

She once shared it with me years ago but I long lost the recipe but I remember what it tasted like!

I remember she preferred the almond paste to the almond pastry and cake filling.

This recipe is also inspired by Nut Roll Recipe from Brown Eyed Baker; In her recipe, she uses walnut instead of mainly almonds which is great too! It all depends on your preference.

RELATED: Homemade Autumn Harvest Fruit and Nut Granola

RELATED: Halloween Fruit and Nut Chocolate Mummy Bark

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RELATED: Chocolate Orange Almond Cake (DF)

If you make this Almond Nut Roll recipe and like it, please take a moment to rate it in the recipe card below and let us know in the comments at the end of the post.

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Almond Nut Roll Recipe

Name: Almond Nut Roll Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds raw plain almonds, finely ground; 1.5 pounds raw plain walnuts, finely ground; 3 cups dark brown sugar; 3/4 cups unsalted butter, melted and cool; Wildflower honey, amount to taste; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (depending on how thin or thick you want it to be), you can substitute the same amount in a non-dairy milk; 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar; 1/2 cup warm water (120-130°F); 6 3/4 teaspoons (3 packets, if in envelopes) active dry yeast; 6 large eggs; 16 ounces sour cream (or substitute the same amount plain Greek or plain regular yogurt); 2 cups unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 9 cups all-purpose flour; 4 cans (12.5-ounce/354 grams cans each) almond cake & pastry filling or almond paste (linked below)

Yield: 8 nut rolls

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time (each roll): 25 minutes

Rising Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

This Almond Nut Roll Recipe is a classic, sweet, yeast bread with a swirl of almond pastry filling. This recipe uses a shortcut where you just use canned almond cake and pastry filling. It’s perfect for holidays and edible gift-giving as 1 recipe makes 8 nut rolls (12-13 slices each)!

Ingredients

Icing Glaze (for 1 almond nut roll)

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons whole milk (depending on how thin or thick you want it to be), you can substitute the same amount in a non-dairy milk

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Activate the yeast by adding 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar into the 1/2 cup warm water (make sure the water is 120-130°F) Allow the yeast-water mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture is foamy. *make sure to put it in a large enough bowl/container, so that it doesn't overflow.
To Make The Dough: In your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment (or just the dough hook but just whisk the eggs first so that it mixes together because the dough hook won't break the yolks), add the activated yeast mixture with the eggs and mix until combined (low-medium speed). Add the sour cream (or plain yogurt in the same amount), melted and cooled unsalted butter, granulated white sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
If you don't already have the dough hook on, put the dough hook on, but the stand mixer on low speed and add the flour gradually, about a cup at a time. The dough should be soft when it's done mixing and the dough should not stick to the sides of the mixer bowl. Set the dough aside and cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
To Make the Homemade Filling (Skip this step, if using the canned filling and go to Step 5): In a large mixing bowl, add the almonds, walnuts, brown sugar, unsalted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix with a handheld electric mixer until completely combined. Notes on the homemade filling: I prefer to make the homemade filling more of a "paste" with the (moisture coming from the butter and honey) than a wetter spread so that it's less likely to leak out during baking. However, if you want to add more moisture to the filling, you can also add 3/4 evaporated milk and 1/2 cup whole milk or amount to taste.
Assemble the Almond Nut Rolls: Line 4 rimmed baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper, set aside. Flour a good rolling surface like a pastry mat and your rolling pin (I like to use a French rolling pin). Scrape the dough out onto the surface and using a dough scraper, divide the south evenly into 8 pieces. Place them on a plate or separate baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap so they don't dry out. Roll out each dough piece out into a 9x14 inch rectangle. Make sure there are no holes and that the dough is even. Spread 1/8th of the filling (1/2 can, of one of the 4 cans, if using canned filling) using an offset spatula, evenly onto the dough, about 1/8th-1/4-inch thick. If you are using the homemade filling, spread it up to 1/2-inch thick. Leave 1/2 inch on the edge, all the way around as a border. Roll the dough up along the long edge and pinch together the bottom seam and ends. Wet the edges with water if you need the dough to stick together better. Transfer the dough to one side of one of the prepped baking sheets and cover with plastic. Allow the roll to rise 3 hours or unit the dough is puffy. Repeat with the other bread doughs and have 2 rolls per sheet, evenly placed.
To Bake the Almond Nut Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F. When the dough is ready, remove the plastic wrap. Bake each sheet, one at a time for 20-25 minutes, rotating part way to ensure even baking. When they are done, allow to cool about 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer carefully to a wire cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining baking sheets of almond nut roll doughs. When the dough is cool, slice and serve with optional icing glaze which can be made ahead or between baking the sheets. Enjoy!
To Make the Icing Glaze (for 1 roll/1/8 of the recipe): In a medium mixing bowl, add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk, depending on how thin you want it, using a whisk, combine until fully mixed. Serve with the almond nut roll slices.

Notes

Recipe Yield: This recipe makes 8 almond nut rolls and each Almond Nut Roll makes 12-13 slices (about 3/4-1-inches thick).
Storage: After baking, the nut rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container. I feel that it tastes best if you use it up within 3 days.
Freezing: After baking, the nut rolls can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, after it's completely cooled, just wrap it tightly in plastic and then again in aluminum foil. When you want to have it, allow it to thaw completely at room temperature. This is a great option for making it ahead for holidays and events.
Kitchen Tip: Use a ruler to help you measure the nut roll as you roll it out and it helps if your pastry mat has to measure units along the sides.
Nutrition Information: The calories are for 1 nut roll.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 2940Total Fat: 189gSaturated Fat: 58gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 120gCholesterol: 374mgSodium: 805mgCarbohydrates: 276gFiber: 20gSugar: 135gProtein: 57g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar into 1/2 cup 120-130 degree warm water.

Stir to dissolve the sugar and add 6 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, stir. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until it’s foamy.

Add yeast and 6 large eggs to a stand mixer (use paddle attachment or use dough hook but poke the yolks so they can combine)

Add sour cream, butter, sugar and vanilla extract & kosher salt. Mix on medium until combined (for a couple minutes).

Add 1 cup (9-10 cups total) of all purpose flour at a time, set the mixer to low speed.

The dough is ready to be taken out of the stand mixer when it does not stick to the sides of the bowl.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth on the counter while you make the filling.

Tip: Use a stiff though scraper for cutting dough; Use a flexible dough scraper for scraping dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface (like a pastry mat) use a flexible dough scraper to scrape the remaining dough out of the stand mixer bowl.

Divide the dough into 8 equal parts using a dough scraper

Line 4 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, set aside.

Tip: Crumple parchment paper before lining the baking sheet so that it stays in place better

Tip: Keep a cup of flour handy to flour the rolling pin

Using a floured rolling pin, roll each dough into a 9x14 inch rectangle.

Tip: Use a ruler and pastry mat to help you get the right size

Tip: Make sure not to roll the dough too thin

Use half the can of pastry filling and spread to 1/2 before the edge of the dough

The dough should look like this just before rolling

Roll the bread dough up along the long side & pinch together any holes

Pinch the dough together at the long seam and make sure that seam is on the underside when baking

Place the roll down on the prepared baking sheet; repeat with the seven other bread dough (You can cover with wrap to prevent it from drying out).

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Space the nut rolls evenly - placing two per baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 3 hours -this shows BEFORE 3 hours rise time

You can refrigerate the formed nut rolls overnight, if you can’t bake them all at once. (If you do this, give them extra time to rise)

Tip: Cover dough with plastic wrap while you’re waiting to work with it.

Tip: You can refrigerate the unrolled dough if you don’t want to bake them all at once.

This is how the unbaked nut rolls looks after three hours rise time at room temperature, pinch in those ends if they come undone!

Bake each sheet one at a time for 20 to 25 minutes the top should be lightly browned when it’s done (rotate partway)

At 20 minutes or part way, you may need to rotate it to get an even bake and then bake a few minutes to 5 minutes more.

This is how it looks after its been baked slightly golden

It might deflate slightly as it cools; allow it to cool completely because the filling might be hot! Repeat with the remaining doughs.

To make a glaze (for 1 nut roll): Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla & 2-3 tablespoons milk)

The nut roll makes about 12-13 slices for serving (3/4-1 inch thick slices)

For the full, printable recipe visit LifesLittleSweets.com and search “Almond Nut Roll Recipe”

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Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 6. She loves design, being creative and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.

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