German Friendship Chain Cake Recipe

Keep it Going German Friendship Cake

Introduction

The “Keep it Going” German Friendship Cake is more than just a delectable dessert; it’s a delightful culinary tradition that brings people together. This unique yeast bread, reminiscent of a chain letter, involves sharing a portion of the starter dough with friends, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The cake is characterized by its rich, tropical flavors derived from ingredients like pineapple and raisins, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of brown sugar. Despite its lengthy preparation time, the process is straightforward, and the result is a moist, flavorful cake that can be enjoyed by all. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable recipe.

Ingredients

Starter Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup dry yeast

First Day Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar

Fifth Day Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup raisins

Tenth Day Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Starter

   Related Articles

   • 
     Tropical Pineapple Coconut Crunch Cake 🍍🥥
   • 
     Crispy Italian Baked Pork Chops with Parmesan Crust
   • 
     Lemon Chicken Piccata
   • 
     Creamy Black Bean Delight: Panera-Inspired Soup
   • Mix the starter ingredients (1 cup flour, 1 1/4 cups water, and 1/2 cup dry yeast) in a bowl.
   • Let the mixture stand at room temperature undisturbed for 24 to 36 hours.

2. First Day

   • If you already have one cup of starter from a friend, you can skip the starter preparation step.
   • Place the starter in a medium bowl and combine it with the “First Day” ingredients (1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar).
   • Cover the mixture and refrigerate.
   • Stir the mixture once a day for 5 days.

3. Fifth Day

   • On the fifth day, transfer the mixture to a larger bowl.
   • Add the “Fifth Day” ingredients (2 eggs, 2/3 cup flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 cup crushed pineapple, 1 cup raisins).
   • Cover the mixture and refrigerate.
   • Stir the mixture once a day for another 5 days.

4. Sharing the Starter

   • After 10 days, remove 3 separate cups of the starter.
   • Give each cup to 3 friends along with the recipe and instructions. They will not need to mix their starter or let it sit for 24 to 36 hours because they are receiving an already active starter.

5. Tenth Day Preparation

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Combine all of the “Tenth Day” ingredients (1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour) with the remaining mixture.
   • Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
   • Combine the topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of the batter.
   • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

This German Friendship Cake is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Its rich, moist texture and the medley of flavors make it a perfect treat for gatherings. The pineapple and raisins add a delightful sweetness, while the cinnamon and brown sugar topping provide a comforting warmth. It’s a versatile cake that fits well at potlucks, weeknight dinners, or as a delightful snack anytime.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of the “Keep it Going” German Friendship Cake contains approximately:

• Calories: 724.4
• Fat: 25.2g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2g
• Cholesterol: 52.8mg
• Sodium: 500.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 118.7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 74.4g
• Protein: 9.2g

Culinary Notes

This cake is an excellent example of how food can bring people together. By sharing the starter dough, you create a ripple effect of baking and sharing, which can spread across communities. The recipe itself is quite flexible, allowing for variations based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. You can experiment by adding different nuts, using other dried fruits, or adjusting the spices to create a unique version of this beloved cake.

Moreover, the long fermentation process of the starter not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cake’s moist texture. It’s a fascinating blend of science and tradition, where natural yeast and time work together to create a delicious outcome.

In conclusion, the “Keep it Going” German Friendship Cake is more than just a recipe. It’s a tradition, an experience, and a delicious treat all rolled into one. Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition with friends and family or simply enjoy a flavorful piece of cake, this recipe is sure to delight. Happy baking and sharing!