Mohnkuchen mit Streusel

Mohnkuchen mit Streusel, or poppy seed cake with streusel, is a beloved German dessert that combines a moist poppy seed filling with a crumbly streusel topping. This cake is perfect for special occasions or simply as a delightful treat with coffee. Here’s a classic recipe for making Mohnkuchen mit Streusel:

Mohnkuchen mit Streusel (Poppy Seed Cake with Streusel)

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 300 grams all-purpose flour
    • 100 grams sugar
    • 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • 150 grams cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
    • 1 egg
  • For the Poppy Seed Filling:
    • 200 grams ground poppy seeds
    • 250 ml milk
    • 100 grams sugar
    • 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons milk (to mix with cornstarch)
    • 1 egg
  • For the Streusel Topping:
    • 150 grams all-purpose flour
    • 100 grams sugar
    • 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • 100 grams cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and

salt together.

  • Add the cold butter pieces and rub them into the flour mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  1. Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling:
    • In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil.
    • Add the ground poppy seeds, sugar, vanilla sugar, and butter to the milk. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
    • Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk to create a slurry. Add this to the poppy seed mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens further.
    • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Beat the egg and stir it into the slightly cooled poppy seed mixture.
  2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
    • In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt.
    • Add the cold butter pieces and rub them into the flour mixture until it forms small, crumbly streusel.
  3. Assemble the Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into the bottom of a greased 9-inch (24 cm) springform pan. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
    • Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough.
    • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the poppy seed filling.
  4. Bake the Cake:
    • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
    • If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
  5. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
    • Once cooled, remove the sides of the springform pan.
    • Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Tips:

  • Ensure that the poppy seeds are finely ground for a smoother filling texture.
  • If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the poppy seed mixture.
  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Enjoy your homemade Mohnkuchen mit Streusel, a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!