A classic, pull-apart Hungarian coffee cake made from a rich, yeasted sweet dough. Balls of dough are dipped in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar-nut mixture, then layered in a tube pan and baked into a gooey, delightful treat.
Author
Unknown
Recipe
Sweet Dough (Makes enough for 2 cakes)
| Measurements | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 2 Cups | Lukewarm Milk |
| ½ Cup | Sugar (for dough) |
| 2 tsps | Salt |
| 2 pkgs | Active Dry Yeast |
| ½ Cup | Soft Shortening |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 7-7 ½ Cups | Sifted Flour |
Topping/Filling (For 1 cake)
| Measurements | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| ½ Cup | Melted Butter |
| ¾ Cup | Sugar (for topping) |
| 1 tsp | Cinnamon |
| ½ Cup | Finely Chopped Nuts |
Instructions
Sweet Dough
- If using active dry yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup lukewarm water and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Use only 1 ½ cups of milk in the next step. If using compressed yeast cakes: Crumble them directly into the milk mixture.
- In a very large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve.
- Stir in the soft shortening, eggs, and the proofed yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, first with a spoon and then with your hands, until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead for about 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ - 2 hours, until doubled.
- Punch the dough down and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
Coffee Cake Assembly
- Take half of the prepared sweet dough for this recipe (the other half can be refrigerated or used for another coffee cake or rolls).
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously grease a tube pan (or Bundt pan).
- In a small bowl, mix together the ¾ cup sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Have your melted butter ready in another small bowl.
- Cut the dough into small, walnut-sized pieces and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball first in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar-nut mixture.
- Place the coated dough balls in the prepared pan, layering them loosely.
- Let the assembled cake rise for 45 minutes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm.
