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Traditional German Streuselkuchen, a moist crumb cake topped with buttery streusel.

Streuselkuchen

A cozy and buttery German crumb cake with a soft base topped with a thick layer of crunchy streusel, perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the yeast base
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk between 110°F and 115°F
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold butter
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon optional
Optional toppings
  • 1/2 cup plum jam or other fruit jam
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds optional

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm milk, egg, vanilla, and softened butter. Stir until it looks shaggy, then knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until smoother.
  3. Cover the bowl and let it rise until puffy, about 60 to 90 minutes depending on your room temperature.
Preparing the Pan and Crumbs
  1. Grease a 9x13 baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon if using. Cut in cold butter with your fingers until you have chunky crumbs.
Final Assembly and Baking
  1. Sprinkle the streusel all over the dough. Let the cake sit for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven heats to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
  3. Cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve in thick squares with coffee or tea. Keeps fresh for 2 days at room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze individual squares.