Hungarian Kuglóf (Kugelhopf) Cake
A buttery, yeasted marble cake with rum-soaked raisins, baked in a fluted Bundt pan – a Central European classic!
🍰 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (~110°F/43°C)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (80g) raisins (soaked in 2 tbsp rum or warm water)
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped almonds
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for marbling)
For the Pan & Topping:
- 2 tbsp softened butter (for greasing)
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
📝 Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate yeast: Dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5-10 mins until frothy.
- Make dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Add yeast mixture.
- Knead: With a dough hook, mix on medium for 5 mins. Gradually add softened butter, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough is smooth and elastic (8-10 mins).
- First rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, until doubled.
2. Assemble
- Prep pan: Generously butter a Kuglóf/Bundt pan and press sliced almonds into the grooves.
- Add fillings: Punch down dough. Fold in drained raisins and chopped almonds. For marbling, divide dough in half, mix cocoa into one half, then layer or twist both in the pan.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise 45–60 mins until puffy.
3. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake 40–45 mins until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 mins, then invert onto a rack.
4. Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar while slightly warm.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with coffee or sweet wine (like Tokaji).
- Serve with whipped cream or apricot jam.
💡 Tips
✔ No Bundt pan? Use a deep round cake pan.
✔ For extra moisture: Brush baked cake with rum syrup (1 tbsp rum + 1 tbsp sugar dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water).
✔ Make ahead: Stores well for 3 days wrapped in foil.
A festive, buttery delight with Austro-Hungarian charm! 🇭🇺☕
