Imagine… a Kugelhopf
11 Nov
Yes, that’s right. It was a figment of my imagination. Just picture this, American kids,( 2.5 ) Mom & Pop around the kitchen table with Grandmother and Grandpappy in their carefully coordinated Christmas Pajamas. ( Maybe Christmas music playing low in the background) Oh, and I think a big lazy dog curled up near the kids would fit well. This special feature stars a Christmas Kugelhopf, in all its sugar sprinkled sparkling splendor. This is where Grandmother explains about the origin of the bread, or is it a cake? I prefer to think of it as a morning treat with coffee or tea, jelly?
Basically, the Kugelhopf is from the continent of Europe. Some say its from a variety of countries, Germany, Austria and or France. I suppose you could just pick the one you most have an affection for and that would fit just fine. On the other hand Dorie says its orgins are the region of Alsace, France. There you have it.
Everything was moving along pretty well. Mixed the necessary ingredients. After the big yeast debate amongst the TWD bakers, I used the traditional active dry yeast. My Kitchen Aid mixer bowl is large, maybe the reason my dough didn’t do the doughhook crawl. Boo Hoo I followed the mixing instructions, I think. Progress was being made with all the rising and deflating methods recommended. This is where it got a little tricky. By now the texture of my dough was a little drier than expected so I as put it in the “buttered” cake pan (although I think not buttered enough) it resembled sort of a doughnut. I had to squish the ends together so that it was continuous. Oh yea, I used a star bundt pan because I didn’t find a kugelhopf pan in my area. Then I had to do the final rise, may have messed up here. I heated an oven for it to nap in and, maybe it was a little too warm, not sure. Waited the recommended 3 ish hours, sort of. I got snagged for some kid driving duties which extended that “napping” time in the warm oven. This could have been the element of disaster. Upon my return to “Dorie Duties.” the reality of a smidgen of deflation was apparent. I forged on and put that bugar in the oven and baked it anyway. What else am I to do?
It appeared golden brown actually, nice in appearance, but it was Stuck, Stuck Stuck to my bundt pan. I managed to unstick the edges nicely, inverted it and did the Tap, Tap, Tap until at least half of the said cake/bread fell out. Aahhuuumm. So disappointing. A broken Kugelhopf. It was appointed with the melted butter and sugar and devoured. It really was nice morning bread even today with a quick toast and coffee. So there you have it the Imagined Kugelhopf.
By the way, if you would like to secure the recipe for this delight go on over to visit Yolanda at The All Purpose Girl where she has graciously posted the recipe and some beautiful pictures. If you follow the TWD bakers and enjoy their adventures you may even want to add Dorie’s Baking From My Home to Yours to your Holiday Wish List.
Even though my poorly Kugelhopf was too sad for a photo or two, remember there are over 300 TWD bakers who had fun and produced some beauties. They actually are such creatures of creativity. So take a little trip and check out the beautiful photos, giggle with them and make some new friends. Thanks so much for stopping by. I read all my comments and love making friends Any Kugelhopf fans out there…leave your encouraging words. Can’t let this one get the best of me. I’ll definitely refine this one and “I’ll be bach!” : )
Mine broke as well and I got bad pictures. But my kids and hubby loved it. Sounds like it turned out delicious even with the extra napping time!
What a bummer! At least it tasted good though, and you know for next time to butter that Bundt pan within an inch of his life…hahaha!
Oh that is no fun! This recipe was indeed challenging!
Mine got stuck in my bundt pan too. Boo hoo!
As long as it tasted good, it was a rousing success in my book! The “remove from pan” thing makes me nervous EVERY time! My success rate there is probably no better than 50%!
Ugh, I hate when baked goods stick. At least it tasted good and you were able to enjoy it. YUM.
Bummer you had bundt pan stuckage but if it tastes good, thats all that matters right?
Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought
I liked your story at the beginning with the family! I could really see that. Yeah. I had a little trouble getting the kugelhopf out of the pan, too. I’m glad yours tasted good, though.
Thanks for the comment! Small world that you have friends in Bryan, TX. I am working on my masters here at A&M. Getting used to all these Aggie traditions (I feel like I should Whoop or Gig ‘em or something
. I joined for TWD for the same reason, to bake things I would never have baked on my own…and hopefully becoming a better baker in the process 
Love your blog, especially the little story at the beginning. At least you attempted to do all the rises…were I was tired and shortened it. I feel like this recipe is one of those recipes you (and me) might have to try a second time to get it right. But we will keep trying
Well, at least you enjoyed it, right? It was all going to end up in pieces anyway! ;o)
even a broken kugelhopf is tasty!
I loved your story – sorry you had troubles though!
Kugelhopf crumbs are good!
Sorry it broke, but at least it was tasty!!! Good job!
Oh, the tale of your poor Kugelhopf! But, even with that, it sounds like it tasted fine…and that’s what counts, right? I enjoyed reading your post and will be back on Tuesday to see how the pudding making went for you. And, justsoyouknow, I buttered the heck out of that pan for the Kugelhopf as I read all the comments and they all said to do that…I am surprised that thing didn’t go shooting out the kitchen door as fast as it came out when I turned it over…next time I think a little less butter for me!
oh no! so sorry your kugelhopf broke into pieces. but it’s the taste that counts, no? and it sounds like yours came out delicious
Hi, AmyRuth – thanks for visiting, and thanks for telling me about the bundt recipe link! …I kind of really really need them. See you Tuesday…
sometimes it’s just as fun to see the pictures when it gets stuck like that
i think your idea of adding some salt in w/the sugar is great… i really liked the hint of salt w/sugar and butter 
Oh No! At least it tasted good – which is the main thing.