Description
A traditional German fruit kuchen featuring a soft yeasted crust layered with creamy custard, generous fresh fruit, and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. This comforting dessert blends cake and pie into one timeless treat.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110–115°F)
- 1/2 cup 2% warm milk (110–115°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- For the Fruit Layer:
- 8–10 cups sliced peeled tart apples, canned peaches (drained), or mixed fruit (2–2 1/2 cups per kuchen)
- For the Streusel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add warm milk, sugar, salt, oil, egg, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, whisk eggs, cream, and sugar to prepare custard. Divide dough into four portions.
- Roll each portion into a 10-inch circle and press into 9-inch pie plates.
- Arrange 2–2 1/2 cups fruit over each crust. Pour 1 cup custard over fruit in each pie plate.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine streusel ingredients and cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle 1/3 cup streusel over each kuchen.
- Cover crust edges with foil and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and custard reaches 160°F.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Drain canned fruit thoroughly to prevent soggy crust.
- Custard should reach 160°F for proper setting.
- Store refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual slices up to 3 months.
- Best served slightly warm, room temperature, or chilled.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
