Kuchen

Total Time Prep: 40 min. + chilling Bake: 35 min.
Yield 4 coffee cakes (8 servings each)
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
This German kuchen recipe is a wonderful, warm dessert that combines the best of cake and pie into one dish. The fruit in a layer of custard, poured over a thin cake and covered with cinnamon-flavored streusel, is tasty and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup 2% warm milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • CUSTARD:
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 8 to 10 cups sliced peeled tart apples or canned sliced peaches, drained, or combination of fruits
  • TOPPING:
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, salt, oil, egg and 2-1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  2. The next day, for custard, whisk the eggs, cream and sugar in a large bowl until combined; set aside. Divide dough into 4 portions.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-in. circle. Press each circle onto the bottom and up the side of an ungreased 9-in. pie plate. Arrange 2 to 2-1/2 cups of fruit in each crust. Pour 1 cup custard over fruit.
  4. For topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1/3 cup over each coffee cake. Cover edges of dough with foil. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and custard reaches 160°.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 242 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Recipe Creator

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