Bucks County Cinnamon "kuchen" Recipe

Bucks County Cinnamon "Kuchen" Recipe:

Cinnamon "kuchen" is a delicious treat that has its roots in the Pennsylvania German cuisine. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it is still enjoyed today for its rich flavors and comforting aroma.

To make this delectable treat, follow these explicit directions:

Ingredients:
- 1 pint of milk
- 3-1/2 cups of flour
- 1 cake of Fleischman's compressed yeast
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg
- Soft A sugar
- Pulverized cinnamon (optional)
- Melted butter

Instructions:

1. The sponge for these cakes should be started early in the morning. Begin by scalding the milk. Once lukewarm, add the 3-1/2 cups of flour, followed by the dissolved yeast cake in 1 tablespoon of lukewarm water. Beat the mixture well and cover it. Let it stand in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours.

2. Once the sponge has risen, prepare the next mixture. Cream together 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of butter. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and beat in one beaten egg. Gradually add about 2 cups of flour until the dough becomes stiff enough to be stirred with a spoon. Note that the dough should not be as stiff as bread dough. Let the dough stand for about 1 hour to rise.

3. After the dough has risen and become light, divide it into four portions. Roll out each piece of dough to a thickness of approximately one inch. Place each rolled-out cake in a medium-sized pie tin and allow them to stand for about one hour to rise.

4. Once the cakes have doubled in bulk and risen well, make half a dozen deep impressions on the top of each cake using your forefinger. Brush the top of each cake with half a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of soft A sugar over each cake and sift some pulverized cinnamon (if desired) just before placing the cakes in the oven.

5. Preheat the oven to a moderately hot temperature. Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown.

This recipe should make four delicious Bucks County Cinnamon "kuchen" cakes.

Fun facts about this recipe:

- "Kuchen" is the German word for cake, and it is a term widely used by the Pennsylvania German community to refer to various types of cakes and pastries.
- Cinnamon "kuchen" is a popular treat in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is known for its rich culinary heritage and Pennsylvania German influence.
- The use of yeast in this recipe gives the cakes a light and fluffy texture, making them similar to a cross between a cake and a bread.
- The deep impressions on the top of the cakes create a decorative pattern and allow the cinnamon and sugar to settle into the nooks and crannies, enhancing the flavor and visual appeal.

Similar recipe dishes:

- Streuselkuchen: A traditional German cake made with a yeast dough base and topped with a sweet streusel crumb mixture. It often includes cinnamon, sugar, and butter for a rich and flavorful topping.
- Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: This cake combines the flavors of apples and cinnamon in a moist and tender coffee cake. It is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, and it pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Cinnamon Rolls: A classic pastry made from a sweet yeast dough rolled up with a cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with creamy icing, these rolls are a favorite for breakfast or brunch.

Enjoy the delightful taste and aroma of Bucks County Cinnamon "kuchen" with your family and friends. This recipe is a wonderful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Pennsylvania German community.