"kaffee Kuchen" (coffee Cake) Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Kaffee Kuchen, or coffee cake, is a traditional German pastry that has been enjoyed for many generations. Its origins can be traced back to Germany, where it was first created as a sweet treat to accompany a cup of coffee. The name "kaffee Kuchen" translates to "coffee cake" in English, highlighting its historical connection to coffee.

The recipe for kaffee Kuchen has been passed down through families, with each generation adding their own unique twists and variations. It is a beloved pastry in Germany, often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee.

One interesting fact about kaffee Kuchen is that it is usually set to rise either early in the morning or the night before being baked. This allows the dough to develop rich flavors and a light, fluffy texture.

Kaffee Kuchen Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 heaped cup soft A sugar
- 1/2 cup butter and lard
- 1 egg
- 1 Fleischman's yeast cake
- Flour

Instructions:

1. Scald 2 cups of sweet milk and set it aside to cool.

2. In a bowl, cream together 1 heaped cup of A sugar, 1/2 cup of butter and lard, and the yolk of an egg.

3. Add the creamed mixture to the lukewarm milk alternately with 6-1/2 cups of flour and the yeast cake dissolved in 1/3 cup of lukewarm water.

4. Beat all the ingredients together, and finally, add the stiffly-beaten egg white.

5. Cover the bowl and set it in a warm place to rise overnight. Alternatively, if you are preparing it in the morning, let it rise for about 2-1/2 hours until it becomes light.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Put an extra cup of flour on a clean surface or a bake-board. Take out large spoonfuls of the dough and mix in just enough flour to roll it out into flat cakes.

8. Spread the dough onto well-greased pie tins or baking sheets. Allow them to rise in a warm place for approximately 1-1/4 hours until they become light.

9. When the cakes are ready for the oven, brush melted butter over the top and sprinkle them thickly with brown sugar. Alternatively, you can spread the top with rivels, which are composed of 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 2 tablespoons of butter crumbled together.

10. Place the cakes in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

11. Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving. You can enjoy the kaffee Kuchen as-is or serve it with your favorite coffee or tea.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

Kaffee Kuchen is just one of the many delicious coffee cake recipes from around the world. Here are a few similar dishes that you might enjoy:

1. Streuselkuchen: This German coffee cake is topped with a crumbly streusel layer made from butter, sugar, and flour. It is often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla and can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.

2. Danish Kringle: Originating from Denmark, Kringle is a flaky pastry made with layers of buttery dough and filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as fruits, nuts, or chocolate. It is often shaped into an oval or pretzel shape.

3. Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar): These soft and fluffy cinnamon buns are a popular treat in Sweden. They are filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, rolled up, and baked to golden perfection. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

4. Russian Zapekanka: Zapekanka is a Russian coffee cake made with a sweetened cottage cheese filling and a crumbly, buttery topping. It is often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest and makes a delicious dessert or breakfast dish.

These are just a few examples of the many coffee cake recipes enjoyed around the world. Each country and region has its own unique twist on this beloved pastry, making it a versatile and tasty treat for all to enjoy.