The Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that combines the rich flavors of almond and custard with a beautifully braided pastry dough.
This traditional Danish pastry has its roots in the Scandinavian countries, where it was originally known as the “Seven Sisters Braid” or “Syv Søstre Flette.”
The unique shape of this coffee cake is what sets it apart from other pastries. The dough is meticulously braided into seven strands, creating a stunning, flower-like pattern when baked.
The almond filling adds a nutty warmth, while the custard filling brings a creamy, velvety texture to the center of the cake.
What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky pastry dough complements the sweetness of the almond filling and the silky custard, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and satisfying.
The addition of a light vanilla icing and toasted slivered almonds on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making this coffee cake a true showstopper.
Ingredients for Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake
For the Pastry Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 packet (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Almond Filling:
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
Possible Substitutions and Tips:
- For a richer dough, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- If almond paste is unavailable, you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds with sugar and egg whites.
- Swap out the heavy cream in the custard for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free pastry dough.
- Toast the almonds for the topping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Preparing the Pastry Dough
The pastry dough is the foundation of this delicious Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. It’s essential to follow the steps carefully to achieve the perfect texture and rise. Here’s how to prepare the dough:
Dissolving the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water (between 105°F and 115°F) and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast over the water mixture.
- Gently stir the yeast mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step activates the yeast and ensures a proper rise.
Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the frothy yeast mixture and 1/2 cup of warm milk.
- Using a sturdy spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
- If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of warm milk at a time. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface and knead it in.
- Once the dough has reached the desired consistency, form it into a ball.
Rising the Dough
- Grease a large bowl with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the dough ball in the greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step: preparing the almond filling and custard filling before assembling the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake.
Making the Almond Filling
The almond filling is a crucial component of this delectable Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the pastry. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a smooth and irresistible almond filling:
- Gather the Ingredients: You’ll need blanched almonds, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending.
- Toast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the blanched almonds on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
- Grind the Almonds: Transfer the cooled almonds to a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse them until they form a coarse meal, being careful not to over-process them into a nut butter consistency.
- Make the Almond Paste: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Add the Almond Meal: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the ground almond meal and all-purpose flour. Mix until a smooth and pliable paste forms. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
- Let it Cool: Transfer the almond paste to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Allow the almond filling to cool completely before using it in the coffee cake assembly.
Remember, the consistency of the almond filling is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. Follow these steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to adjust the consistency by adding a touch more flour or liquid as needed.
Cooking the Custard Filling
Creating the perfect custard filling is crucial for achieving the delightful texture and flavor in this Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth, velvety custard that will complement the almond filling and pastry dough.
- Gather the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and free of any lumps.
- Heat the Milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer, being careful not to let it boil.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from scrambling.
- Cook the Custard: Once the egg mixture is tempered, gradually pour it back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking continuously. Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula or whisk, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the custard is cooked through, dip a spoon into the mixture and run your finger along the back of the spoon. If the line holds its shape without the custard running back together, it’s ready.
- Add Flavor: Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). These extracts will enhance the overall flavor of the custard.
- Strain the Custard (Optional): For an extra-smooth texture, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits.
- Cool and Chill: Transfer the custard to a clean bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent a skin from forming. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled and thickened, about 2-3 hours.
Remember, the custard should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable and creamy. With patience and careful attention to the cooking process, you’ll achieve a luscious custard filling that will take your Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake to the next level.
Assembling the Coffee Cake
Once you have prepared the pastry dough, almond filling, and custard filling, it’s time to assemble the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. This step is crucial to achieve the distinctive seven-ring shape that gives this coffee cake its name.
- Rolling out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen pastry dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18 inches by 12 inches. Use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness throughout.
- Spreading the Fillings: Spread the smooth almond filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Next, dollop the custard filling in a spiral pattern on top of the almond filling.
- Forming the Seven Sisters Shape: To create the iconic seven-ring shape, carefully roll up the dough from the long side, forming a tight log. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log into seven equal pieces. Place one piece in the center of a greased 9-inch round baking pan or springform pan. Arrange the remaining six pieces around the center piece, slightly overlapping the edges to form a ring. Gently press the seams together to seal the rings.
Ensure that the almond and custard fillings are evenly distributed throughout the rings, creating a visually appealing swirl pattern. Tuck any exposed filling back into the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
With the distinctive seven-ring shape formed, your Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake is now ready for the final baking step, where the flavors will meld together, and the pastry will achieve a golden, flaky crust.
Adding the Custard Filling
Once the coffee cake is assembled with the almond filling, it’s time to add the luscious custard filling to the center. Here’s how to properly fill the center with custard:
- Ensure the custard filling has cooled slightly but is still pourable. If it has thickened too much, gently reheat it while stirring constantly to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully pour or pipe the custard filling into the center of the coffee cake. Aim to fill the center cavity evenly, but avoid overfilling, as the custard will expand during baking.
- If you notice any gaps or uneven distribution of the custard, gently use a spoon or offset spatula to spread it evenly across the center.
- Once the center is filled, use any remaining custard to drizzle or pipe decorative swirls or patterns around the edges of the coffee cake. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures that every bite has a touch of creamy custard.
- Be careful not to disturb the almond filling or the intricate shape of the coffee cake while adding the custard filling.
Properly filling the center with custard is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. The custard filling adds a rich, velvety dimension to the nutty almond filling and the flaky pastry dough, creating a truly indulgent and unforgettable dessert.
Baking the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake
Baking the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake is a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail. The oven temperature and baking time play a significant role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare a large baking sheet or a pizza pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Once the oven is preheated, carefully transfer the assembled coffee cake onto the prepared baking sheet or pizza pan. Ensure that the coffee cake is placed in the center of the baking surface for even heat distribution.
Bake the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry dough is golden brown and the custard filling is set. To check for doneness, gently insert a toothpick or a wooden skewer into the center of the coffee cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the coffee cake is ready.
It’s important to keep an eye on the coffee cake during the baking process, as ovens can vary in temperature. If the top of the coffee cake starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Once the coffee cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet or pizza pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the custard filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Remember, the aroma of the baked Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake will fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of almonds, vanilla, and buttery pastry. Enjoy this delightful treat while it’s still warm, or let it cool completely before adding the final touches and serving.
Topping and Serving Suggestions
Once your Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake has finished baking and has cooled slightly, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make it truly irresistible.
First, prepare a simple vanilla icing by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the icing generously over the top of the coffee cake, allowing it to drip tantalizingly down the sides.
Next, toast some slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown. Sprinkle these toasted almonds liberally over the iced coffee cake, adding a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to every bite.
When it comes to serving this heavenly creation, there are several options to consider. For a classic coffee cake experience, slice it into generous wedges and enjoy it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
The rich almond and custard fillings pair beautifully with the warmth and depth of a robust brew.
Alternatively, you can elevate the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake to a decadent dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cool, creamy accompaniment is simply divine.
For a touch of elegance, consider plating individual slices on dessert plates and garnishing them with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This presentation makes the coffee cake a perfect ending to a special brunch or a sophisticated afternoon tea.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire, delighting family and friends with its delectable flavors and stunning presentation.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
- The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not too sticky. If it seems dry, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until it comes together.
- Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes to develop the gluten strands, which will give the pastry its characteristic chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size. This can take 1-2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t overwork the dough once the ingredients are combined, as this can lead to a tough, dense pastry.
- Be careful not to overfill the coffee cake with too much almond or custard filling, as it may leak out during baking.
- Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Once cooled, the Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, place the cake on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
“A little patience and attention to detail go a long way in achieving the perfect Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake,” advises our resident pastry chef.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake provides a delightful indulgence with a balanced nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Vitamin D | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
While this coffee cake is a treat, it provides a good source of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and calcium. The almond filling and custard contribute to the fat and sugar content, making it a dessert to enjoy in moderation.
However, the pastry dough also provides some dietary fiber to help balance the overall nutritional profile.
Conclusion
The Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that combines the rich flavors of almond and custard with a buttery pastry dough.
This recipe may seem intricate, but with the detailed step-by-step instructions and expert tips provided, you can achieve a bakery-worthy result in your own kitchen.
We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with us on social media. Tag us with your photos and use the hashtag #AlmondCustardSevenSistersCoffeeCake – we can’t wait to see your beautiful bakes!
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