Welcome the weekend with a warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Braided Yeast Cake, a delightful twist on traditional yeast baking that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe combines the light, fluffy texture of yeast dough with the sweet richness of your favorite fillings, such as jam, preserves, or even fresh fruits, creating a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying treat. Perfect for those still warm days, this cake rises quickly, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without waiting too long. One might not be enough, as the laughter and joy it brings to the table often call for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This: This Braided Yeast Cake is a testament to the joy of baking, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. The process of braiding the dough not only adds a beautiful, artisanal look but also ensures that every slice is filled with the sweet, gooey filling of your choice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe provides step-by-step guidance to achieve a bakery-quality cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with various fillings, ensuring there’s a flavor combination to suit everyone’s taste.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for a cozy family breakfast, a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea, or as a show-stopping dessert for a casual gathering, this Braided Yeast Cake fits beautifully into any setting. It’s especially perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to add a special touch to your meal. Serve it fresh from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience, or enjoy it as a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to your day.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake adds a beautiful finish. If you’re feeling creative, garnish with fresh fruits or a drizzle of glaze to complement the filling. The braided design itself is a gorgeous decoration, so even the simplest toppings will make this cake stand out on your table.
Ingredients:
- 350g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 100ml lukewarm milk
- 20g fresh yeast (or 7-10g dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 50g soft butter (melted and cooled if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- Jam, preserves, or any sweet filling of your choice
For the Streusel Topping:
- 40g butter
- 60g flour
- 30g powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, create a well, and add the milk, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Add the soft butter and eggs, kneading for a few minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 30x40cm rectangle. Spread your chosen filling evenly.
- Roll up the dough, seal, and transfer to parchment paper. Cut lengthwise and braid, then place in a loaf pan.
- Brush with milk and sprinkle with the streusel topping. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30-35 minutes on a lower rack. Cover with parchment if browning too quickly.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy this Braided Yeast Cake, where the joy of baking meets the art of creativity, resulting in a treat that’s as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to behold. Perfect for making any day a little sweeter and a lot more special.
