Kugelhopf is a delicious, Alsatian, yeasted bread, similar to brioche but not as rich. It is baked in a special fluted pan. Here’s an easy recipe to make kugelhopf at home using a standard bundt pan as a substitute to the special kugelhopf pan.
Hello everyone!
Continuing with Lina‘s cake challenge for the month of February, this is my second submission- Kugelhopf! The judges for this month’s fabulous challenge are Suzanne and Jhuls.
Kugelhopf also known as Gugelhupf, Guglhupf or Gugelhopf is a Southern German, Austrian, Swiss and Alsation marble cake or Bundt cake.Gugel- is supposedly a variation of the Midle high German gugel(‘hood’), while -hupf is a variation of Hefe (‘yeast’).It is said that the -hupf part comes from the German word hüpfen (to jump), as the yeast dough literally “jumps out of” the cake pan. ( Source- wiki)
This is yet another one of those exotic sounding cakes! Never seen one, forget about tasting it!
I’m so glad I did challenge myself to take it upon me or else I probably would have missed knowing about it. This reminded me of panettone, the moment I dug into it, except that it’s a little denser.
So, Kugelhopf is basically a cake, made from yeast dough. The golden raisins added to the dough turn into gorgeous amber color, upon baking, making slices of this cake look very pretty. The citrusy notes rendered by the addition of orange zest really brightens up this cake. So good!!
This is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven. Smear some butter and jam, and devour a slice of this simple yet gorgeous cake-like bread with some freshly brewed coffee 🙂
Table of Contents
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE KUGELHOPF
1.Proofing the yeast: Stir together yeast, a pinch of sugar and lukewarm water in a small bowl and let stand until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. (If the mixture doesn’t foam, discard and start over with new yeast.)
2.In a medium saucepan, heat milk with 6 tablespoons butter and granulated sugar over low heat, stirring, until mixture is warm (105 to 115°F), butter is melted, and sugar is dissolved.
3.Next, in the bowl of your stand mixer, sift flour and salt into it. Make a well in the flour and add the proofed yeast mixture. Fix the paddle attachment, next add in the warm milk in a slow stream, mixing at low speed. Increase speed to medium, add in eggs 1 at a time, then the raisins and orange zest. Continue beating until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. The dough will be very sticky. Do not add any extra flour.
4.Grease kugelhopf mold/ standard bundt pan with the remaining tablespoon butter. If using almonds, then add now in each depression of the pan. Then scrape spoonfuls of dough evenly into mold (dough will be very elastic). Cover the bundt pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it rises to the top of the pan, (about 2 hours).
5.Preheat oven to 400°F.
6.Remove towel from kugelhopf. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes, then loosely cover bundt pan with foil and continue to bake until golden and a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes more. (took me 10 minutes more, covered with a foil). Transfer the bundt pan to a wire rack, cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then invert kugelhopf onto a rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. Dust with confectioners sugar.
HOW TO MAKE KUGELHOPF?
Kugelhopf Recipe | Gugelhupf
Ingredients
Measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
- 1 & 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter cut into tablespoon pieces and softened
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups golden raisins
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh orange or lemon zest
- About 20 whole blanched almonds 1/2 ounces, (I skipped this)
- 1 tbsp confectioners sugar
Special equipment
- A standing electric mixer with a paddle attachment; an 11-cup kugelhopf mold (9 1/2 inches in diameter) or an 11- to 12-cup bundt pan. (I used a standard bundt pan)
Instructions
- Proofing the yeast: Stir together yeast, a pinch of sugar and lukewarm water in a small bowl and let stand until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. (If the mixture doesn't foam, discard and start over with new yeast.)
- In a medium saucepan, heat milk with 6 tablespoons butter and granulated sugar over low heat, stirring, until mixture is warm (105 to 115°F), butter is melted, and sugar is dissolved.
- Next, in the bowl of your stand mixer, sift flour and salt into it. Make a well in the flour and add the proofed yeast mixture. Fix the paddle attachment, next add in the warm milk in a slow stream, mixing at low speed. Increase speed to medium, add in eggs 1 at a time, then the raisins and orange zest. Continue beating until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. The dough will be very sticky. Do not add any extra flour.
- Grease kugelhopf mold/ standard bundt pan with the remaining tablespoon butter. If using almonds, then add now in each depression of the pan. Then scrape spoonfuls of dough evenly into mold (dough will be very elastic). Cover the bundt pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it rises to the top of the pan, (about 2 hours).
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove towel from kugelhopf. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes, then loosely cover bundt pan with foil and continue to bake until golden and a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes more. (Took me 10 minutes more, covered with a foil). Transfer the bundt pan to a wire rack, cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then invert kugelhopf onto a rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. Dust with confectioners sugar.
I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your feedback with photos and suggestions to me at [email protected]
You can also follow me on :
Facebook @ Aromaticessence
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Twitter @ freda_dias
Regards,
Freda
Vijay says
A handsome piece of workmanship!
Would love to replicate it…..problem is I do not own a bundtpan, any other options? Would love to hear from you.
sapphiredaze1986 says
Oh gosh! I so love this. A cake-bread, perfect methinks for getting my bread-making cravings sated. Can I make this with wholewheat or multi-grain flour though, do you think?
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Hi there ! Thanks for stopping by ! Glad you liked it , as it was the first time I made it , I can’t say about wholewheat ! But from my past bread baking experience, I feel it won’t be the same , Coz of the different protein content.
sapphiredaze1986 says
Ahhh yes, that makes sense. And since this would be my first attempt, I think it’s best not to experiment. Thanks for replying. Loving your recipes a lot!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Most welcome 🙂 thanks very much !
sapphiredaze1986 says
I just made the dough and set it to leaven 😀 I really hope my cake bakes well.. thanks so much for the lovely recipe Freda!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Hi ! Sorry for the late reply , how did it turn out ? Hope you liked it 🙂
sapphiredaze1986 says
Hey, it turned out quite good. Will post it soon once my Internet is back.. Thanks so much for the recipe!!!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Yay ! Glad you liked it 🙂
sapphiredaze1986 says
Reblogged this on Trisha's Kitchen Alchemy and commented:
I’m definitely making this come Easter!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks for the reblog 🙂
milliethom says
A wonderful recipe, Freda – and you’re right, it really does look like panettone, especially when cut into. Your photos of the the whole process are excellent and really help to explain to people the various steps of the ‘method’.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a lot dear Millie 🙂
mercieraurelie says
Your pictures are amazing and everything looks delicious, especially this cake! Well done
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thank you very much 🙂
Jhuls says
I love simple cakes like this. I love all the add-ins. I would love to have a slice right now. 😀 Thanks for participating in the challenge. 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Jhuls! I had a lot of fun doing this challenge ! Looking forward to many more 🙂
cynthiamvoss says
That’s gorgeous! I would love a slice or two with a cup of coffee!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Cynthia 🙂
bhumi says
Looks lovely & so yummy…
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much 🙂
Smiling Notes says
Amazing as always my dear!! Shared it on Twitter!! 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
How sweet of you ❤️? Thanks girl !
Shari says
This looks and sounds so yummy, Freda! Your pictures of it are just beautiful. I enjoyed looking at them, especially the one where it has risen in the pan. I didn’t know what kugelhopf was and am glad to learn about it!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a ton Shari!
apuginthekitchen says
Just gorgeous Freda, I love Kugelhopf and your cake is perfect.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a lot Suzanne 🙂
kushigalu says
This looks gorgeous, moist and delicious!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Kushi 🙂
Gloria says
Gorgeous looking cake!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks dear 🙂
Traditionally Modern Food says
Beautifully done.. I feel like tasting it
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Vidya 🙂
Sadie's Nest says
Beautiful cake!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Sadie:)
MyCulinarySaga says
Looks sooooo sooo good!! Well done dear
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks sweetie 🙂
CHCooks says
So so beautiful Freda, loved reading about this cake 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a lot dear 🙂
tentimestea says
Such a gorgeous cake Freda! It looks so sunny with the golden raisins. I love soft yeasted bread-cakes of all sorts 🙂 This has been such a great challenge. It’s been so much fun seeing all the different cakes and now I want to try them all!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much ! It was a fun challenge indeed 🙂
Monika says
This is quite an interesting recipe Freda..love the shape and the perfect golden color.. amazingly done..
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a lot dear:)
Parul Singhal says
Looks so yummy…
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Parul 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking says
Yumm looks very nice and I love the raisins! This challenge is so much fun!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Lynn! It sure was 🙂 I enjoyed it !
Lynz Real Cooking says
I love these different cakes and pies from the challenge!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Me too Lynn ! I want to try all of them:) but I wished we all lived closer , so that tasting all those varieties becomes easier 😀
that way 😀
thelonelyauthorblog says
Is this easy to make. It looks so delicious.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks ! If you have a stand mixer it’s really a breeze :p
thelonelyauthorblog says
Okay, I will show it to my spouse. Thanks.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Welcome 🙂
Chitra Jagadish says
Wowwwwieee this looks So fantastic Freda. …:) 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much dear 🙂
Linda Fernandes says
Woooow such a gorgeous & tempting cake
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Linda Fernandes says
?
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Wow Freda this is one delicious looking cake (bread). I am so glad that I didn’t enter this challenge because there is some amazing competition! I am sure having fun seeing all of the beautiful cakes and learning a bit of history too.
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Julie 🙂
OldCountryGirl says
Looks delicious! My German grandma always made the exact same Gugelhupf. I love the raisins in it!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thank you ! I’d like to believe this is as close to the real deal then 🙂
OldCountryGirl says
You are welcome & I think it is, as far as I know!
Arcane Owl says
Looks delicious, Freda! Wish I could have a bit….yum yum!
Have a great day!
Arcane owl
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a ton ! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Arcane Owl says
Most welcome 🙂
lapetitepaniere says
Your Kugelhopf looks amazing and so tempting Freda. I want it now 😀
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Linda 🙂
srividhya says
Wonderful.. Great idea to use the bundt cake tin
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks dear 🙂
Antonia says
The cake looks so delicious and is perfectly golden 😀 I haven’t made a cake with yeast before. I will have to try this one out. Great job Freda!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks a lot Antonia ! This was the first time I made a cake leavened by yeast too ! I was glad I did 🙂
RebeccaP, Keep Calm and Cake says
Looks beautiful and very tasty!!! Nice job 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Rebecca 🙂
flynthings says
Looks great as usual 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much 🙂
anotherfoodieblogger says
Such a pretty cake, and looks delicious! Well done on the challenge!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks Kathryn, I enjoyed making this 🙂
Maria Jansson Photography says
Looks yummy! My mom always baked cakes in that shape 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Maria ,I was happy that this worked well even though I didn’t have the kugelhopf pan 🙂
Maria Jansson Photography says
I bet it tastes as good as it looks 🙂
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
It sure did 🙂 Thanks again 🙂
Lina says
I love the look of it! A wonderful idea to use a bundt cake tin…amazingly done Freda! I am impressed
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Lina 🙂
Natascha's Palace says
Beautiful! I love the shape. How can you not want to try tasting something as beautiful as that??
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Exactly right?? Thanks a lot dear 🙂
Natascha's Palace says
My pleasure! ❤❤❤❤
Frances ? says
I agree with you Freda; it reminds me of panettone…looks delicious!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Thanks so much Frances 🙂