Indulge in the traditional German Hefeschnecken, a delightful pastry featuring soft, fluffy yeast dough spiraled with a creamy quark filling. These pastries are a staple in German baking and are known for their sweet, tangy filling encased in a tender, light dough. Topped with almond flakes and brushed with melted butter, these Hefeschnecken offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a beloved treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This:
The Hefeschnecken combines the comforting warmth of homemade bread with the luxurious creaminess of quark, enhanced by the sweet aromas of vanilla. The process of making the dough from scratch and watching it rise is incredibly satisfying, and the result is a bakery-quality pastry that's soft on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. The addition of almond flakes adds a delightful crunch, enriching the overall eating experience.
Perfect Occasion:
These Hefeschnecken are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a mid-afternoon snack. They're also ideal for special occasions like Easter or Christmas morning, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special and homemade. Their elegant appearance and exquisite taste make them suitable for both casual and formal gatherings.
Decoration Tips:
- After baking, dust the Hefeschnecken with powdered sugar for a classic, snowy look.
- Serve them on a platter with fresh berries for added color and a hint of tartness to complement the sweet filling.
- If desired, drizzle a simple icing glaze over the warm Hefeschnecken for an extra layer of sweetness.
Ingredients for the Yeast Dough:
- 250g flour
- 100ml lukewarm milk
- 35g sugar
- 4g dry yeast (half a packet)
- 50g room-temperature butter
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 500g quark (or a similar creamy cheese)
- 1 egg yolk
- 50g soft butter
- 100g powdered sugar
- Vanilla sugar or paste
- 1 egg white, beaten to stiff peaks
Additional:
- Melted butter for brushing
- Almond flakes for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk with sugar. In a stand mixer, combine this mixture with flour, butter, egg, and salt. Knead until smooth, then let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- For the filling, mix the quark, egg yolk, and soft butter. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Gently fold in the beaten egg white.
- Roll out the dough thinly and spread with the quark mixture. Roll up halfway, slice, then roll up the other half to form two thin strands. Twist these into a spiral.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with almond flakes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (conventional setting) for 20-25 minutes.
- Once baked, dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy these classic German Hefeschnecken, a delightful treat that brings a taste of traditional European bakery into your home. Perfect for any occasion or simply when you crave something sweet and comforting. Enjoy!