Dreikönigskuchen (Three Kings Day Cake)

Method7 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Stir the 14 g active-dry yeast into the 250 ml lukewarm milk. Let stand for about 5 minutes until bubbly, using the activation temperature on the selected yeast label.

   Activate yeast in milk · 5 minUses 250 milliliters milk (luke warm) · 14 grams active-dry yeast (2 pouches)

2. 2

   Step 2: Combine the activated mixture with 500 g flour, the whole egg (1), 75 g softened butter, 75 g sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and 7 g salt. Knead until smooth and releasing from the bowl, adding only a touch of extra flour if needed. Knead in the 200 g chosen raisins or chocolate chips for about 1 minute until combined. Cover airtight and rise at room temperature for about 2 hours until at least doubled.

   First dough rise until doubled · 120 minUses activated yeast-milk mixture · 500 grams all-purpose flour · 1 egg (size US large) · 75 grams butter (room temperature) · 75 grams granulated sugar · 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract · 7 grams salt · 200 g raisins OR chocolate chips

3. 3

   Step 3: Shape the risen dough into an even log. Form one third into a large centre roll and divide the remaining two thirds into 8 equal smaller rolls. Pull the seams underneath so the tops are smooth. Hide the single whole almond (1) inside one outer roll, closing the dough around it.

   Uses risen raisin dough · 1 whole almond to hide in one outer roll

4. 4

   Step 4: Arrange the large roll in the centre of a parchment-lined baking sheet, with the 8 small rolls around it and about 1 inch / 2½ cm between rolls. Cover with a clean towel and rise for 30 minutes.

   Rise shaped Three Kings bread · 30 minUses one centre roll and eight shaped outer rolls

5. 5

   Step 5: While the shaped bread rises, preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.

6. 6

   Step 6: Whisk the separate egg-wash yolk with the 1 tbsp wash milk. Brush over the proofed rolls and sprinkle with sliced almonds and optional pearl sugar.

   Uses proofed Three Kings bread · 1 large egg yolk for egg wash · 1 tablespoon milk · sliced almonds · pearl sugar

7. 7

   Step 7: Bake on the middle rack for about 30 minutes total, covering with foil during the last 10 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. A paper crown may be added as a serving decoration after baking; tell everyone that one roll contains a whole almond.

   Bake Three Kings bread: 30 minutes total · 30 minUses egg-washed almond-topped Three Kings bread