Christmas in Austria is a time of warmth, tradition, and delightful treats. One such beloved holiday delight is the Mohngugelhupf, a classic poppy seed bundt cake that is sure to become a festive favorite in your home. The combination of delicate poppy seeds with a light, fluffy cake texture creates a wonderful balance of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of the season.
**Mohngugelhupf Poppy Seed Bundt Cake**
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 eggs, separated
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup ground poppy seeds
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a bundt cake pan thoroughly to ensure easy release after baking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and whisk together until well blended.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the egg yolks one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
6. Fold in the ground poppy seeds and lemon zest gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold them into the cake batter until just combined.
8. Pour the batter into the greased bundt cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the Mohngugelhupf with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish before serving.
12. Slice and enjoy this delightful poppy seed bundt cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the rich flavors of the holiday season.
This Mohngugelhupf recipe is a wonderful addition to your Christmas baking lineup, bringing a taste of Austrian tradition to your home. The subtle crunch of poppy seeds mingling with the light, airy cake creates a texture that is both comforting and festive. Whether you serve it as a sweet treat for breakfast or as a showstopping dessert at your holiday gathering, this poppy seed bundt cake is sure to charm your family and friends with its unique flavor profile and delightful appearance. Embrace the spirit of the season with this delightful Mohngugelhupf and create lasting memories around the table this Christmas.
