RecipesGermanyStreuselkuchen (German Crumb Cake)

Streuselkuchen (German Crumb Cake)

A classic German crumb cake, perfect for 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) on a Sunday afternoon. This recipe features a rich, buttery, and generous crumble topping over a soft yeast dough base.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35-40 minutes
Total TimeApproximately 1 hour 45 minutes (including dough rising time)
Servings12
DifficultyMedium

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500 g Yeast dough(This can be a pre-made or homemade enriched yeast dough. If making from scratch, ensure it includes ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, sugar, eggs, and butter.)
  • 200 g Unsalted Butter, cold(For the crumble topping. Ensure it's cold and cubed for best results.)
  • 200 g All-purpose Flour(For the crumble topping.)
  • 150 g Granulated Sugar(For the crumble topping. You can adjust slightly to your sweetness preference.)
  • 1 packet Vanilla Sugar(Or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract mixed into the crumble ingredients for flavor.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Yeast Dough: If using homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe and allow it to rise until doubled in size in a warm place. This typically takes about 1 hour. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature as per package instructions.

    ⏱️ 1 hour (for rising)
  2. 2

    Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 24-26 cm (9-10 inch) round springform pan or a rectangular baking pan (approx. 20x30 cm / 8x12 inches).

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  3. 3

    Make the Crumble Topping (Streusel): In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a food processor on pulse mode, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Do not overmix; you want distinct crumbles.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  4. 4

    Assemble the Cake: Gently press or spread the risen yeast dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, covering the bottom. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands or use a spatula.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  5. 5

    Add the Crumble: Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the yeast dough, ensuring full coverage.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  6. 6

    Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cake is cooked through. A skewer inserted into the center of the dough (avoiding the crumble) should come out clean.

    ⏱️ 35-40 minutes
  7. 7

    Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before removing the springform ring (if used). Serve warm or at room temperature.

    ⏱️ 20 minutes (cooling)

💡 Pro Tips

  • For extra large, buttery crumbs, ensure your butter is very cold and don't overwork the crumble mixture.
  • This cake is a beloved Sunday tradition in many German households, often enjoyed with a pot of coffee.
  • Best served slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a layer of sliced apples, plums, cherries, or berries over the yeast dough before topping with streusel.
  • Incorporate a layer of Quark (a German fresh cheese) or cream cheese filling between the dough and the streusel.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving

CaloriesApprox. 320 kcal per serving
Protein5g
Carbs42g
Fat15g
Fiber1g

🏷️ Tags

Streuselkuchen (German Crumb Cake) Recipe - Germany | world.food