Easy Kuchen
A soft, fluffy cake with a tender crumb, featuring a hint of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or a teatime treat, suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in scalded milk and cool to lukewarm.
- Add egg, salt, and sugar; dissolve yeast in the milk mixture.
- Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough.
- Let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Divide the dough into two 8 or 9-inch cake pans.
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of scalded milk. If you don't have cake yeast, dry yeast is a perfect substitute. Ensure the milk is just warm before adding the yeast to activate it properly. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile, making it even more delightful. For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit into the dough before the second rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kuchen warm or at room temperature. It's perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a snack. For a delightful twist, pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes well with fruit preserves or a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Kuchen contains roughly 155 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of yeast?
Yes, you can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast instead of cake yeast. Just remember to activate the active dry yeast in warm water first before adding it to the milk mixture. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without prior activation, making it a convenient option.
How can I make the dough rise faster?
To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can preheat your oven slightly, then turn it off and place the dough inside, covered with a clean kitchen towel. Another trick is to place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven, creating a warm and humid environment that encourages faster rising.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date of your yeast before using it. If the dough hasn’t doubled in size after the first rise, try moving it to a warmer location or giving it more time. If it still doesn’t rise, you may need to start over with fresh yeast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).