Cuca - Brazilian Sweet Bread

Cuca is a traditional dessert from Southern Brazil, deeply influenced by German cuisine. This version is a delightful sweet bread with a buttery streusel topping and a rich dulce de leche filling. Its soft, fluffy dough is complemented by the crunchy topping, making it a beloved treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough
🥛 240 ml milk room temperature
🍬 5 tablespoons sugar
🍞 1 heaping tablespoon dry yeast for bread approx. 10g
🥚 2 whole eggs room temperature
🧈 1 heaping tablespoon butter or margarine approx. 35g, room temperature
🥄 2 tablespoons powdered milk
🧂 1 pinch salt
🌼 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🌾 450 g all-purpose flour approximately 3.5 cups

For the Streusel Topping
🧈 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
🌾 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
🍬 1/2 cup sugar
(Optional: 🌿 Pinch of cinnamon)

For the Filling
🍮 Approximately 150-200g dulce de leche about 1/2 pot

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 240 ml of milk with 5 tablespoons of sugar and mix until the sugar dissolves.
• Dissolve 1 heaping tablespoon of dry yeast in the milk mixture by whisking it well.
• Add 2 whole eggs, 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of powdered milk, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
• Gradually add 450 g of flour in increments, mixing with a whisk initially, then switching to a spatula once the dough thickens.
• Mix until the dough is heavy and pulls away slowly from the utensil.
• Grease a 24x30 cm baking pan and spread the dough evenly. Let it rise, covered, in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2- Prepare the Streusel Topping:

• In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup sugar with your hands until crumbly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.

3- Assemble and Bake the Cuca:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
• After the dough has risen, spread dollops of dulce de leche over it, pressing lightly.
• Sprinkle the entire surface generously with streusel.
• Bake the Cuca for 30 minutes at 180°C, then increase to 200°C (392°F) for an additional 5 minutes for browning.
• Let it cool for a few moments before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8-10 slices
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
Nutritional Info per Serving: Proteins 8g, Fats 12g, Carbohydrates 46g
Equipment:

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring Cup 240ml
• Baking Pan 24x30 cm
• Oven
• Gloves for streusel mixing
• Knife and fork for serving

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients, especially the yeast and liquids, are at room temperature to enhance dough rising.
• Adjust flour in streusel according to desired crumb size.
• The dulce de leche can be substituted with chocolate or fruit for variety.

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Cuca - Brazilian Sweet Bread