Print Recipe

Mutti's Räderkuchen: German Deep-Fried Pastries

Räderkuchen, aka wheel cakes or bowties, were one of my Mutti's favorite emergency recipes. She made these especially when unexpected company dropped in. They were so quick and easy for her to make. The ingredients were always in her pantry.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups flour, all-purpose
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• lard for frying
• sugar, cinnamon, powdered sugar as desired

Instructions:

1. Using a mixer, mix first 6 ingredients together to make dough. Knead lightly with hands to make a dough that holds together nicely. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
2. Roll dough out, about ⅜-inch thick, using extra flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking.
3. Cut into strips, about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
4. About ½-inch from one end of the strip, cut a 1-inch long slot. Pull the long end of the strip through the slot to form a type of curled shape.
5. Heat lard in a deep pot. When bubbles are formed at the end of a dry wooden spoon when it is inserted into the fat, it is ready to cook the cakes.
6. Gently put one layer of cakes into the hot fat and fry until golden brown. Flip them over when you see that the edge is golden and fry the other side. This will only take a minute or two per side.
7. Remove cakes, put onto a paper-towel covered plate to drain the fat. While still hot, roll in plain sugar.

Notes/Hints:

• If desired, mix some cinnamon with some sugar and roll cakes in this.
• You can also roll in powdered sugar.

*  *  *  *  *

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