Zuckerkuchen: Sugar cake.
Zuckerkuchen, also known as German Sugar Cake, is a sweet and simple classic treat commonly found in bakeries across Germany. It's known for its soft and fluffy yeasted dough base, traditionally topped with a crunchy layer of buttery sugar crumbles. Sometimes enriched with touches such as almond slivers, vanilla, cinnamon, or even a creamy custard filling, Zuckerkuchen is the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea. The cake is often enjoyed during Kaffeezeit, the German afternoon coffee break. This homemade version brings the coziness of German baking into your kitchen, offering a taste of nostalgia and sweetness in every bite.
Introduction:
Hello and welcome to "Cooking with Muddi"! In today's episode, I'm going to show you how to prepare a delicious and traditional German butter sugar cake. This is a simple yet delightful cake made with yeast dough, perfect for any occasion. Let's get right to the heartwarming goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (or 42 grams fresh yeast)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 75 grams sugar
- 75 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 100 grams unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 100 grams granulated sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1 egg yolk
- A splash of coffee cream (or light cream)
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough rising time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper (if needed), rolling pin (small)
Servings: 12
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the yeast dough. In case you need guidance on creating the dough, I’ll provide a link in the description box to my previous tutorial. Once your dough is made, let it rise for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
3. Prepare your baking sheet by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper if it's not non-stick.
4. Roll the risen dough onto the baking sheet, distributing it evenly. Use a small rolling pin for better handling and to keep as much air in the dough as possible. Do not overwork the dough; you want it to be light and fluffy.
5. Once evenly spread, let the dough rest for an additional 20 minutes to allow it to rise again.
6. After 20 minutes, with your fingers, press down at intervals to create little wells in the dough. These are not just for aesthetics, but also function as pools for the melted butter.
7. Place a small piece of butter into each well you've created.
8. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the entire surface, starting from the edges and moving towards the center.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake after 20 minutes; the desired brownness varies according to personal taste.
10. While the cake is still hot, whisk together the egg yolk and a splash of coffee cream. Brush this glaze over the cake to give it a beautiful shiny finish. Thin the mixture with a bit more cream if necessary.
11. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy while it's fresh for the best flavor experience.
Cooking Tips:
- For the best results, bake this cake in the morning if you're planning to serve it on the same day.
- The cake remains delicious the next day, but there's something special about enjoying it freshly baked.
This recipe is brought to you by Kochen mit Muddi. For more delightful recipes and baking secrets, visit https://www.youtube.com/@kochenmitmuddi.
#german #yeastcakes #homebaking
YouTube channel - Kochen mit Muddi: https://www.youtube.com/@kochenmitmuddi
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