Brasadel (Jewish Coffee Cake) Recipe
Overview:
Brasadel, a delightful Jewish Coffee Cake, is a cherished recipe perfect for Hanukkah celebrations or any weeknight gathering. This European-inspired treat, adorned with crunchy walnuts and a hint of cinnamon, is sure to please large groups without breaking the bank. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, it’s an inexpensive yet impressive addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3/4 cup sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
- Maraschino cherry halves and walnut halves (for decoration)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 414.5
- Fat: 24.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 214.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.7g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 23.8g
- Protein: 5.8g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, 1 cup of sugar, and eggs until creamy and well combined. |
| 2 | In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to ensure a smooth texture for the cake. |
| 3 | Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. |
| 4 | Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the batter. |
| 5 | Fold in 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts (or the original choice of raisins if preferred) to add a delightful crunch to the cake. |
| 6 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a tube pan to prevent sticking. |
| 7 | Pour half of the batter into the prepared tube pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. |
| 8 | Sprinkle half of the remaining chopped walnuts on top of the batter in the pan for added texture. |
| 9 | Add the remaining batter on top of the nuts, spreading it evenly to cover the layer beneath. |
| 10 | In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to create a flavorful topping. |
| 11 | Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the cake batter. |
| 12 | Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. |
| 13 | Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 14 | For a festive touch, decorate the cooled cake with halved maraschino cherries and additional walnut halves before serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of Brasadel alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
- This cake is perfect for sharing at Hanukkah gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for a delicious homemade dessert.
- Enjoy the rich, moist texture and irresistible flavors of this classic Jewish Coffee Cake with family and friends.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the batter for a unique twist on tradition.
- For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream or almond yogurt.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Brasadel (Jewish Coffee Cake) is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary tradition that brings people together with its warm, comforting flavors and homemade goodness. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a slice of something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and savor the joy of baking and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones.
