Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sweet-smelling paradise with this irresistible Hungarian Coffee Cake that's part dessert, part breakfast, and 100% addictive! Imagine pulling apart soft, pillowy dough balls coated in warm cinnamon and sugar, each bite more decadent than the last. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Hungary, promising a show-stopping treat that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 1 bundt cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients, alternating with the yeast-milk mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Prepare a bundt pan by generously greasing it with butter and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix cinnamon with a small amount of sugar in a separate bowl. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange the coated dough balls randomly in the prepared bundt pan, creating layers for the classic monkey bread texture.
- Cover the pan and let the assembled monkey bread rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final rising period.
- Bake the monkey bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.
Tips
- Yeast is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. A digital thermometer helps guarantee perfect activation.
- Dough Consistency Matters: When kneading, look for a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal dough rising.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Don't be shy! Roll each dough ball thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
- Pan Preparation: Grease your bundt pan generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly in the pan before inverting to maintain its structural integrity.Pro Hack: For extra decadence, consider adding a cream cheese glaze or drizzling with caramel sauce after cooling!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
