Alsatian Kouglof is a typical Christmas dessert, a soft and fluffy brioche halfway between a panettone and a pandoro. Its origin is uncertain, but it is made with popular ingredients and was traditionally baked in glazed ceramic molds. Today, there are various versions typical of the production area, and the dough can be either sweet or savory, but I went for the traditional one with raisins and almonds.
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- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Medium
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Christmas
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour (W 320)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tsp fresh yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 7/8 cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
Tools
- 1 Mixer
- 1 Pot
- 1 Mold
Steps
A few hours before, soak the raisins for 30 minutes in hot water.
Rinse them under running water.
Squeeze them well and let them dry for at least an hour covered with a kitchen towel.
In the mixer’s bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water and the yeast.
Dissolve it well and add the flour with all the eggs.
Start the machine and knead.
When the dough is elastic, add the sugar and the lemon zest.
Continue mixing and then add the salt.
Add the butter in three portions without losing elasticity.
Finally, add the raisins.
Run for a minute at low speed.
Leave to rise until doubled in a warm place.
Deflate the dough and make a round of tight folds.
Let rest for 15 minutes.
Prepare the syrup by bringing the sugar to a boil with water and the vanilla seeds.
Boil for 10 minutes.
Butter the mold and cover with sliced almonds.
Add the dough and cover with plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm place until 3/4 inch from the edge.
Bake in a preheated static oven at 340 °F for about 30 minutes.
Do the toothpick test.
Unmold and soak with boiling syrup.
Let it cool well before unmolding.
Advice
Keeps for 5 days in a sealed bag
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make the Alsatian Kouglof dairy-free?
Yes, you can use lactose-free or completely plant-based products in the same quantities.
