Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake Recipe from Hungary

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake is a delicious and unique twist on traditional coffee cake. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pecans and butter with a soft and fluffy dough, creating a decadent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

History

The origins of Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional pretzel recipes. The addition of pecans and butter adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the classic pretzel dough, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of room temperature butter
1 lb (454 g) of chilled butter or 4 more sticks of chilled butter
1 cup of sugar
2 whole eggs
2 cups of warm milk
0.25 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.5 tsp of ground cardamon
0.5 tsp of salt
7 cups of flour
2 packs of dry yeast
0.5 cup of warm water
1 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

In a cup, mix yeast, 0.5 cup of warm water, and 1 tsp of sugar. Let the yeast develop.
In a mixing bowl, cream 0.5 lb (227 g) of butter or 2 sticks of butter, sugar, and eggs.
Add warm milk and the yeast mixture to the mixing bowl. Beat well.
Add 6 cups of flour along with the salt, nutmeg, and cardamom. Mix until you have a soft dough. If it is too sticky, add the last cup of flour.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
Cover the dough and put it in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Divide the dough into 4 sections, one for each pretzel.
Take one section of dough and divide it into 3 equal strips.
On a floured surface, stretch each strip of dough lengthwise to about 15 inches using your fingers.
Take one stick or 0.25 lb (113 g) of chilled butter and cut it into 8 or 10 long narrow slivers.
Place these slivers of butter on top of each of the three dough strips, about 3 slivers per strip.
Use up all the butter from the stick.
Using your fingers, enclose the slivers of butter by wrapping the dough over them. The objective is to seal the butter in the strips.
Now, gently and loosely braid the 3 strips with the enclosed butter.
Place the braided pretzel into a circle in an ungreased pan.
Sprinkle at least 0.25 cup of coarse chopped pecans over the top of the pretzel.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns light brown. Make sure not to let the pecans burn.
While the pretzel is still warm, drizzle almond sugar icing over it.

Variations

Add cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans for a different nutty twist.
Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the coffee cake for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use room temperature butter for the dough to ensure a smooth and even texture.

- Knead the dough well to develop the gluten and create a light and fluffy coffee cake.

- Be careful not to overbake the coffee cake, as it can become dry and tough.

- Drizzle the almond sugar icing over the warm coffee cake to allow it to soak in and add extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough well is essential to develop the gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Braiding the dough strips with the butter slivers creates a unique and visually appealing pretzel shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter in the dough.

- Almond or soy milk can be used instead of cow's milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, eggs) and nuts (pecans). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake is a rich and indulgent treat that is high in calories and fats. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake is a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans and butter with a soft and fluffy dough. Enjoy this unique twist on traditional coffee cake for a special breakfast or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed and tattered cards, my eyes landed on one that simply read "Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake."

Intrigued by the unique combination of ingredients, I decided to give it a try. I gathered the necessary items, including pecans, butter, pretzels, and a few other key ingredients, and set to work in my kitchen.

As I mixed and measured, the aroma of the cake began to fill the room. The sweet scent of butter and sugar mingled with the salty crunch of the pretzels, creating a tantalizing fragrance that made my mouth water.

Once the cake was baked to perfection, I eagerly sliced into it and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the rich buttery taste of the pecans, the crunchy texture of the pretzels, and the sweetness of the cake all melded together in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

I knew then and there that this recipe was something special, something that I had to share with my family and friends. And so, I began to make the Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake regularly, each time tweaking and perfecting the recipe until it became a beloved staple in my collection.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with countless people - friends, neighbors, and even strangers who caught a whiff of the delicious scent wafting from my kitchen. Each time I shared the recipe, I would regale them with the tale of how I had discovered it in my great-grandmother's old recipe box, and how it had become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

One particular memory stands out in my mind - the day my own granddaughter, a budding young chef, asked me to teach her how to make the Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass down this treasured recipe to the next generation, and so I eagerly invited her into my kitchen to learn the ropes.

As we worked side by side, mixing and measuring, I shared with her the story of how I had stumbled upon the recipe all those years ago. I watched with pride as she carefully followed each step, her eyes alight with curiosity and excitement.

When the cake was finally baked and cooled, we sat down together at the kitchen table and shared a slice. The look of delight on my granddaughter's face as she took her first bite warmed my heart, and I knew then that the tradition of the Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake would live on for generations to come.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this beloved recipe, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the culinary adventures that have shaped my life. From the humble beginnings of a tattered recipe card to the cherished tradition it has become, the Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake will always hold a special place in my heart.

And so, I continue to bake this delightful treat, sharing it with all who cross my path and passing down the story of its origins to anyone who will listen. For in each bite of this delectable cake lies not just the flavors of pecans, butter, and pretzels, but the memories and moments that have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.