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Mutti's German Poppy Seed Cake with Streusel (Mohn-Streuselkuchen)

Mutti's German Poppy Seed Cake (mohnkuchen) is a rich, nutty delight with a buttery streusel topping. My classic bake for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Yeast Dough:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk, lukewarm
• 1 package (7 g or 2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 2⅓ cups (290 g) flour, all-purpose
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
• 4 tablespoon (60 g) butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Poppyseed Filling:

• ⅓ cup (50 g)Wheatlets (Cream of Wheat)
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 cup (140 g) poppy seeds, ground
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml)  vanilla or almond flavoring
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter

Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup (225 g) cold butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g) flour, all-purpose

Instructions:

Yeast Dough:

1. Stir 1 teaspoon of sugar into warm milk. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5 minutes or until surface is frothy. If it doesn't get frothy, don't continue with the recipe. Get new yeast with an expiry date far into the future.
2. Into a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt.
3. Stir yeast. Lightly beat cooled butter and egg into yeast mixture.
4. Pour yeast mixture into flour, mixing to make a dough.
5. On a floured surface, knead dough lightly for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Poppy Seed Filling:

1. While waiting for dough to rise, make the filling and topping.
2. Follow package instructions and make cereal with Wheatlets and water. Let cool slightly.
3. Add poppy seed, flavoring, butter, and sugar. Mix well. Add eggs. Mix well.
4. Let cool.

Crumb Topping:

1. Mix ingredients to a crumbly texture.

Finish Cake:

1. Grease 9x13-inch cake pan or use a large springform pan.
2. Knead risen dough lightly and roll out to fit cake pan. Pierce dough all over with fork.
3. Pour poppyseed filling over cake.
4. Gently crumble topping evenly over filling.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Let rise in a warm place 15 minutes.
7. Bake 25 to 30 minutes - or until top is a rich golden brown.
8. Cool and serve.

Hints:

• Short on time? Use two 12.5 oz cans of prepared poppy seed filling instead of homemade. It's a quick and easy option that still tastes delicious. Just spread it gently, no need to grind or cook.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Recipe updated on May 11, 2025