Brunsviger Cake
Brunsviger is a beloved Danish cake, originating from Funen, characterized by its soft, yeast-leavened dough topped with a rich, sticky layer of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. It's often enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(plus extra for dusting)
- 50 g Granulated sugar(for the dough)
- 7 g Active dry yeast(1 sachet)
- 150 ml Milk(lukewarm)
- 50 g Butter(melted, for the dough)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
- 150 g Brown sugar(for the topping)
- 100 g Butter(softened, for the topping)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon(for the topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the flour and the remaining granulated sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
While the dough is rising, prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined. Stir in the cinnamon.
- 5
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Punch down the risen dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan.
- 6
Spread the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the dough. Use your fingertips to create small indentations in the topping to help it caramelize.
- 7
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the topping is bubbly and caramelized. Let it cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough after the first rise, as this can make the cake tough.
- ✓For a richer topping, you can add a tablespoon of golden syrup to the brown sugar mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the brown sugar topping.
- For a more intense flavor, use dark brown sugar for the topping.