German Fresh Fruit Kuchen (Bread Machine)
Description
Indulging in a slice of German Fresh Fruit Kuchen is akin to savoring a sun-kissed summer day, bringing forth the essence of seasonal fruits in a tender, light coffee cake that is remarkably easy to prepare thanks to the assistance of a bread machine. This delightful treat is perfect for leisurely summer mornings when you want to dash off to the beach or engage in outdoor activities without sacrificing a wholesome breakfast. The flexibility of this recipe allows for a variety of juicy fruits such as nectarines, peaches, plums, or pears, ensuring that each bite bursts with freshness. The use of all-purpose flour in this recipe helps create a texture that is both light and tender, making it a quintessential summer indulgence.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Bread machine yeast | 1 3/4 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 4 to 5 teaspoons |
| Almond extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh fruit (nectarines, peaches, plums, or pears) | 4 to 5 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280.6 |
| Total Fat | 5.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 39.3 mg |
| Sodium | 118.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 52.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 24.3 g |
| Protein | 5.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Begin by measuring the dough ingredients into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure that the water, milk, egg, butter, margarine, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour are added as specified.
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Process the Dough: Select the dough or manual cycle on your bread machine and allow it to process until the cycle is complete. This usually takes about 20 minutes, during which the ingredients will blend together to form a smooth dough.
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Knead the Dough: Once the dough cycle has finished, carefully remove the dough from the machine and place it onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too sticky or difficult to handle, knead in a little additional flour as necessary until the dough is manageable.
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Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 x 15 inches. This shape will serve as the base for your delicious fruit topping.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a large, greased baking sheet, ensuring that it is spread evenly across the surface.
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Arrange the Fruit: Carefully arrange your choice of fresh fruit in lengthwise rows across the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each row. The vibrant colors and flavors of the fruit will create an inviting appearance.
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Add Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined. Cut in 3 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping generously between the rows of fruit.
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Let It Rise: Cover the assembled cake with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow it to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
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Bake the Kuchen: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen adequately, bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and fully cooked. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be enticing!
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Cool and Glaze: After baking, carefully remove the kuchen from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, brush the fruit lightly with your choice of jam for a touch of sweetness and shine. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle the almond icing over the top.
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Prepare Almond Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 4 to 5 teaspoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract until smooth and creamy. This icing will elevate the kuchen with its delightful almond flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the German Fresh Fruit Kuchen into squares or rectangles, serving it warm or at room temperature. This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
This German Fresh Fruit Kuchen recipe, easy to prepare in a bread machine, is sure to become a beloved summertime staple. With its tender crumb and the vibrant burst of fresh fruit, it invites you to relish each moment and savor the sweetness of summer. Enjoy your baking!
