German Butter Cake (Butterkuchen)

German Butter Cake, or Butterkuchen, is a beloved traditional German dessert known for its rich, buttery flavor and simple yet indulgent texture. This cake is typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and is a staple in German bakeries and homes alike. Its appeal lies in its buttery, slightly sweet flavor and its light, tender crumb. Often topped with sugar and almonds, Butterkuchen is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.

This recipe for German Butter Cake involves preparing a soft, yeasted dough that is enriched with butter and then topped with a sweet, buttery glaze and sliced almonds. The result is a cake with a deliciously crisp top and a moist, fluffy interior. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, Butterkuchen is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup sliced almonds

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon (if using) until well combined and crumbly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to fit the prepared baking pan, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Transfer Dough: Place the rolled dough into the greased baking pan, pressing it gently into the corners.
4. Add Topping: Spread the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
5. Let it Rise: Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear.
3. Glaze the Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, brush the warm glaze evenly over the top.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool and Slice: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect German Butter Cake

• Yeast Proofing: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the cake tender.
• Even Topping: Spread the topping mixture evenly for consistent sweetness and texture across the cake.
• Glaze Application: Brush the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm for a shiny, sweet finish.

German Butter Cake (Butterkuchen) is a delightful treat with its buttery richness and tender crumb. Its simple preparation and delicious results make it a perfect addition to any baking repertoire. Enjoy this classic German dessert with a hot beverage for a comforting and satisfying experience.