German Sugar Cake
German Sugar Cake is a sweet, rich bread with a hint of sweetness and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dessert, enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast cakes or packs in warm milk and let it sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, shortening, and butter to the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or desired form.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased baking pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Optionally, sprinkle with walnuts before baking or serve with fruit and nuts as stolen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you don’t have yeast cakes, active dry yeast can be used instead; just activate it in warm milk as directed. Kneading the dough well ensures a good rise, so take your time during this step. For extra sweetness, you can incorporate a bit of vanilla extract into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing, such as Edith'S Favorite Frosting(Creamy Chocolate), for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. You can also enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover German Sugar Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Sugar Cake contains roughly 2586 calories, with 30g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1995mg per serving (87% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. A mix of both flours can yield a nice balance, providing a slightly healthier option while maintaining some lightness.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or the environment being too cold. Ensure the yeast is fresh and activate it properly. You can also place the dough in a warm location, like an oven with just the light on, to aid in rising.
Can I add other toppings to the cake?
Absolutely! While walnuts are a great addition, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as raisins, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking. This cake is quite versatile and can be customized to your taste!
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).