Kuchen Recipe
(Red Ribbon Gift Loaf)

Kuchen

Kuchen is the German word for "cake" and is used to describe various types of coffee cakes made with either yeasted doughs or leavened cake batters. These cakes can be made with a custard or cheese filling, fresh or dried fruit, or fragrant spices and nuts.

This Kuchen recipe makes a very thoughtful gift for the holidays.

You might also enjoy this Kaffee Kuchen recipe.

Ingredients:

5-1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 envelopes RapidRise Yeast
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 large eggs
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup snipped, dried apricots*
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Directions:

Makes: 2 loaves

In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, orange peel, cardamom, mace and salt. Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120°F to 130°F). Gradually, add to flour mixture; beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. With spoon, stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead in fruits and almonds. Divide dough in half; shape into two 5 x 5-inch square loaves. Place loaves on large greased baking sheet. Cut four 18 x 2-inch strips of foil. Fold in half lengthwise. Grease one side of each strip. Mark loaves for tying ribbon after baking by crossing two strips on top of each loaf, greased side down, making “+” shape. Tuck ends of strips under loaves. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Brush egg white on loaves. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until done. Remove from sheet; discard foil and let cool on wire rack. When cool. Tie loaves with 1-inch wide ribbon. Making bow at top.

*Candied fruits or other dried fruits can be substituted

Nutritional Information:
Per Serving:
Serving size: 1 slice; 1 / 24 of recipe
Serving weight: 2.4 ounces
Calories 210; Total fat 6 g; Saturated fat 3 g;
Cholesterol 30 mg; Sodium 100 mg; Carbohydrates 35 g; Dietary fiber 2 g; Sugars 11 g; Protein 5 g