Perfect German Butter Cake
Dive into the irresistible charm of *Perfect German Butter Cake* (Butterkuchen), a classic treat that combines a pillowy yeast-based dough with a decadent buttery-sugar topping. This authentic German dessert features a soft, airy foundation created from a simple mix of all-purpose flour, whole milk, and eggs, skillfully kneaded and allowed to rise to perfection. The magic happens with its signature topping: rich, unsalted butter nestled into hand-pressed dimples, generously sprinkled with granulated sugar and optional crisp almond slices for added texture. As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes and the butter infuses the cake, creating a golden crust that’s delightfully sweet and slightly crunchy. Ready in under an hour and perfect for serving at gatherings, teatime, or as a comfort food indulgence, this timeless recipe is sure to delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g All-purpose flour
- 80 g Granulated sugar
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 200 ml Whole milk
- 50 g Unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 125 g Unsalted butter (for topping)
- 100 g Granulated sugar (for topping)
- 50 g Almond slices (optional)
Instructions
Warm the milk gently to about 40°C (105°F) and mix in the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix well.
Add the yeast-milk mixture, melted butter, and the egg to the flour mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a rectangular baking pan (approximately 30x40 cm).
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the prepared pan and press it evenly to cover the bottom. Let it rest again for 15-20 minutes.
Using your fingers, press small dimples all over the surface of the dough.
Cut the unsalted butter for the topping into small cubes and place them evenly in the dimples.
Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the dough, and if desired, scatter the almond slices over everything.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3938 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.7 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 97.9 g | 490% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 603 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 2567 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 508.8 g | 185% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 192.8 g | ||
| Protein | 68.9 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 504 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 1336 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
