Placzak (Coffee Cake)
Placzak is a rich, sweet coffee cake with a tender crumb, infused with raisins and nutmeg, perfect for breakfast or teatime gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To warm milk, add yeast, 1 cup flour, and 4 tablespoons sugar. Put in a warm place with no draft to raise.
- Put together remaining milk and butter.
- Heat until butter is melted.
- Pour milk and butter mixture into a large bowl.
- Add eggs, remaining sugar, flour, nutmeg, raisins, and vanilla.
- Mix together well.
- Add yeast mixture and gently fold in.
- Cover and let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
- Divide batter into 3 well-greased medium bread pans.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you don't have raisins, feel free to substitute with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a different flavor. For a richer taste, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar slightly without compromising the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Placzak is delightful served warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside Di'S Spicey Walnuts for a crunchy contrast or with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Placzak in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold, as it retains its flavor well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Placzak (Coffee Cake) contains roughly 2183 calories, with 33g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1766mg per serving (77% 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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, and you won't need to let it rise separately. This can save time and still yield a fluffy cake.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven preheated to the lowest setting and turned off.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of Placzak, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar content or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adding in some ground flaxseed can boost the nutritional value.
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).