"kleina Kaffe Kuchen" (little Coffee Cakes) Recipe

Recipe: Kleina Kaffe Kuchen (Little Coffee Cakes)

History:
Kleina Kaffe Kuchen, also known as Little Coffee Cakes, have a rich history and are a traditional German treat. These small, light, and fluffy cakes are often served alongside coffee during gatherings and social events. They have been enjoyed for generations, bringing delight to family and friends.

Fun Facts:
1. Kleina Kaffe Kuchen are often called puffballs due to their light and airy texture.
2. The recipe for Kleina Kaffe Kuchen has been passed down through families, with each household adding their own unique twist.
3. These cakes are typically broken apart rather than cut before serving, a tradition that adds to their charm.

Ingredients:
- Scant 1/2 cup lard and butter (or substitute with all butter)
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 2 whole eggs and the yolks of 2 more
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 Fleischmann's yeast cake
- 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
1. Dissolve the yeast cake in the 1/4 cup of lukewarm milk. Add a couple tablespoons of flour and mix it into a batter. Set it aside in a warm place to rise.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in the risen yeast sponge, followed by the lukewarm cream.
5. Gradually add the sifted flour to the mixture, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
6. Grease slightly warmed Gem pans and lightly sift flour over them.
7. Fill the Gem pans two-thirds full with the dough.
8. Set the pans in a warm place to rise until the dough reaches the tops of the pans.
9. Preheat the oven to a medium-hot temperature.
10. Place something underneath the pans in the oven to prevent the bottoms of the cakes from burning.
11. Bake the Kleina Kaffe Kuchen in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown. The hot oven should allow them to rise quickly.
12. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
13. Serve the Kleina Kaffe Kuchen by gently breaking them apart, preserving their light and delicate texture.
14. Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee.

Additional Notes:
- To make a larger batch, double the recipe. Increase the baking time accordingly.
- For variations, you can add a touch of vanilla extract or sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cakes before serving.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. German Streusel Cake: A crumbly and buttery cake topped with a sweet streusel mixture. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
2. German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich): Made with a yeast dough base, filled with a creamy custard filling, and topped with a honey and almond caramel layer.
3. German Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): A rich and indulgent layered cake made with chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and cherry liqueur.

Enjoy your homemade Kleina Kaffe Kuchen and savor the delicious flavors of this traditional German treat!