Rich Fruit Kuchens Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• CUSTARD:
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 8 to 10 cups sliced peeled tart apples or canned sliced peaches, drained or combination of fruit
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, salt, oil, egg and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beating until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• The next day, for custard, whisk the eggs, cream and sugar in a large bowl until combined; set aside. Divide dough into four portions.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-in. circle. Press each circle onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-in. pie plate. Arrange 2 to 2-1/2 cups of fruit in each crust. Pour 1 cup custard over fruit.
• For topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1/3 cup over each coffee cake. Cover edges of dough with foil. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and custard reaches 160°. Yield: 4 coffee cakes (6-8 servings each).

Rich Fruit Kuchens published in Country Woman July/August 2004, p31