Coffee Cake (kuchen) Dough Recipe

Coffee cake, also known as kuchen, is a delicious and versatile dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to Germany, where it was traditionally served with coffee as a special treat during social gatherings and celebrations. Over time, the recipe has evolved and become popular in various parts of the world, with different regions adding their own unique twists and flavors to this delightful dessert.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Coffee Cake (kuchen) Dough. This recipe will yield a soft and fluffy dough that can be used as a base for various coffee cake variations, pies, and even pocket books.

To start, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1/2 ounce of yeast
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk
- 1 cup of sifted flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3/4 cup of butter
- 3 eggs
- 5 cups of sifted flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Here's how you can prepare the Coffee Cake (kuchen) Dough:

1. Begin by dissolving 1/2 ounce of yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved.

2. In a separate bowl or a round agate pan, combine 1 cup of sifted flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together.

3. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl or pan with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine everything.

4. Place the mixture in a warm place (not hot), such as near a warm oven or in a draft-free area, and allow it to rise for one to two hours. This step is crucial to activate the yeast and ensure a light and airy dough.

5. Once the yeast mixture has risen, it's time to prepare the remaining ingredients. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of butter until well combined and fluffy.

6. Add 3 eggs to the sugar and butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

7. Gradually add 5 cups of sifted flour, alternating with 1 cup of milk, into the sugar and butter mixture. Mix everything together until the dough becomes light and elastic.

8. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

9. Finally, add the risen yeast mixture to the dough. Using a spoon, work the dough for ten minutes, making sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

10. Set the dough aside in a warm place, covered with a clean cloth, to rise again. This second rising will take approximately five to six hours or can be left overnight for optimal flavor development. Note that if you choose to set it at night, only use half the quantity of yeast.

11. The dough should have risen significantly and should not be very stiff. At this stage, it is ready to be used for making cinnamon cake, pies, or pocket books.

12. To make a cinnamon cake, simply spread the dough evenly in a greased baking dish and sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. This will make one large cinnamon cake.

13. For pies, divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll out each portion and use them as the base for your favorite pie fillings. Bake according to your pie recipe's instructions.

14. Lastly, for pocket books, take small portions of the dough and roll them out into rectangular shapes. Fill the center with your preferred sweet filling, such as fruit preserves, chocolate, or nuts. Fold the corners inwards to create a pocket shape, and seal the edges by pressing them together gently. Bake these pocket books in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Fun facts about coffee cake (kuchen):

- In Germany, coffee cake is a traditional accompaniment to Kaffee und Kuchen, a special coffee and cake time typically held in the afternoon.
- Coffee cake can come in many variations, with fillings such as fruits, nuts, streusel, or cream cheese.
- The term "coffee cake" in the United States refers to a sweet cake that is enjoyed with coffee, whereas in the United Kingdom, it often refers to a cake that is consumed alongside tea.
- Coffee cake has become a staple in brunch menus around the world, often served alongside other breakfast items or as a dessert option.
- Coffee cake is also a popular choice for potlucks and gatherings, as it is easy to make, transport, and share.

Similar recipe dishes:

- Streusel cake: This is a type of coffee cake that features a crumbly topping made of butter, sugar, and flour, known as streusel. It can be flavored with cinnamon, nuts, or other spices and is often served with a hot cup of coffee.
- Danish pastry: This pastry is famous for its flaky and buttery layers. It can be filled with various sweet fillings, such as fruit preserves, custard, or cheese, and is often enjoyed alongside coffee or tea.
- Cinnamon rolls: These sweet treats consist of a soft and fluffy yeast dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling. They are typically topped with a sweet glaze and are best served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

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