Krantz Cake Recipe for Christmas

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Nutella or chocolate spread of your liking
• For the syrup:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, warm water, and egg until well combined.
3. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle of about 1/4-inch (6mm) thickness.
8. Spread the Nutella or any chocolate spread onto the dough leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
9. Roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to slice it lengthwise, down the center, so you’re left with two long strips, exposing the filling.
10. Braid the two strips together, then twist the braid into a spiral and place it into the prepared bundt pan.
11. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. While the cake is baking, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring to boil and let boil for 1-2 minutes.
13. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the syrup evenly over the cake, while it’s still warm, making sure that it’s completely soaked.
14. Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan before removing it from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Verdict:

This sweet and decadent cake is perfect for Christmas morning breakfast, afternoon tea-time, or an after-dinner dessert. It’s soft, delicate, and bursting with chocolatey goodness in every bite. The syrup adds a lovely moistness to the cake, keeping it fresh for days.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Krantz cake with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa, and watch your guests indulge in the goodness of this dessert. You can also decorate it with some powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or fresh berries if desired. Enjoy!