German "coffee Bread" Recipe

German Coffee Bread, also known as Kaffeekuchen, is a traditional German pastry that is enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. This bread is rich, slightly sweet, and topped with a delicious cinnamon-almond crumb topping. It is a beloved treat that is often served during breakfast or brunch, and it has a long history in German baking culture.

The origins of German Coffee Bread can be traced back to the Middle Ages when bread became more than just a staple food. Bakers started experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, creating variations of sweet breads to be enjoyed as a special treat. Over time, this tradition evolved into the delicious Kaffeekuchen we know today.

Fun Fact: In Germany, coffeehouses have a rich cultural history and are an important part of German social life. They have traditionally served not only coffee but also a wide variety of baked goods, including German Coffee Bread. It is often enjoyed with friends and family during leisurely coffee breaks or gatherings.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for German Coffee Bread:

Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 cup hot milk
- 1 yeast cake
- 2 eggs
- 2-1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the crumb topping:
- 1 heaped cup of fine, soft, stale bread crumbs
- 2-1/2 tablespoonfuls light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoonful cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup blanched and chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoonfuls soft butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until well combined.

2. Pour the hot milk over the sugar and butter mixture, and stir until the butter is melted. Let it cool until lukewarm.

3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast cake in 1/4 cup of lukewarm water. Add the yeast mixture to the sugar-butter-milk mixture.

4. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to the mixture. Mix well.

5. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a stiff batter forms. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

6. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

7. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature.

8. After the dough has risen, beat it thoroughly once again. With a spoon, spread the dough evenly on top of well-greased, deep pie tins that have been sprinkled with a little flour.

9. In a separate bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, chopped almonds, and soft butter to create the crumb topping.

10. Spread the crumb mixture over the top of the dough in the pie tins. Cover and let it rise for an additional 15 minutes.

11. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is a rich, golden brown.

12. Once baked, remove the German Coffee Bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

German Coffee Bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the fluffy bread with the crunchy, sweet, and nutty crumb topping creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Similar Recipes and Variations:
German Coffee Bread is just one variation of the many traditional German sweet breads. Here are a couple of other popular German recipes you might enjoy:

1. Stollen: A Christmas bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan that is often dusted with powdered sugar.

2. Pflaumenkuchen: A plum cake made with a yeasted dough and topped with fresh plums, cinnamon, and sugar.

3. Streuselkuchen: A classic German crumb cake made with a soft yeast dough base and a generous layer of buttery streusel on top.

No matter which German sweet bread you choose to make, you can be sure that it will be a delicious and comforting treat that brings a taste of Germany to your table.