Stollen (Authentic German Coffee Cake)
A rich, traditional German coffee cake filled with dried fruits and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or a cozy treat with coffee. Flavored with lemon zest and candied cherries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a mixer bowl.
- Add sugar, salt, eggs, yolk, butter and half of the flour. Beat for 10 minutes at medium speed on mixer or by hand. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often with a spoon.
- Blend in the rest of the flour, chopped almonds, citron, chopped candied cherries, raisins, and grated lemon rind.
- Scrape batter from sides of bowl. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place (85°F) until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir down batter by beating 25 strokes.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of dried fruits like apricots or figs instead of just raisins and cherries. If you want a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup. Make sure your yeast is fresh for proper rising, and knead the dough thoroughly for a better texture. If you can't find citron, candied orange peel can be a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the stollen and serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for brunch or afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, serve alongside a fruit cake for the holiday or with a selection of cheeses.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature and warm it gently in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stollen (Authentic German Coffee Cake) contains roughly 1243 calories, with 36g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2123mg per serving (92% 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 up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, this may slightly alter the texture, making it denser. Be sure to monitor the dough's consistency and adjust with additional water as needed.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 1/2 hours in a warm environment. To check, gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready. If it springs back, give it more time to rise.
Can I add more fruits or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your stollen by adding more dried fruits, like cranberries or dates, or additional nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar to the original recipe to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).