Sweet or Savory Dampfnudel

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 500g
• Active dry yeast: 7g
• Sugar: 30g
• Milk, warm: 250ml
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Butter, softened: 50g
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for sweet)
• Grated Parmesan: 1/2 cup (for savory)
• Fresh herbs, minced (for savory): 1 tablespoon (such as parsley, basil, or oregano)

Preparation Time:

• 1 hour

Cooking Time:

• 25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. For the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Add the warm milk, salt, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a loose dough forms.
2. Sweet version: Add the cinnamon and stir to combine.
3. Savory version: Add the Parmesan cheese and herbs and stir to combine.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the balls in a greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
7. Second rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes, or until the balls have puffed up.
8. Bake (sweet): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Dampfnudel for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
9. Steam (sweet): Once the Dampfnudel is baked, immediately add 1 cup of water to the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will create a moist and fluffy center.
10. Serve (sweet): Serve the Dampfnudel warm dusted with powdered sugar or with fruit compote.
11. Bake (savory): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Dampfnudel uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
12. Serve (savory): Serve the Dampfnudel warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per serving (sweet): 300
• Calories per serving (savory): 250
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Fluffy and soft interior
• Golden brown exterior
• Versatile flavors (sweet or savory)
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

User Comments:

• "These Dampfnudel were a huge hit! They were so light and delicious."
• "I love the versatility of this dish. I've made both the sweet and savory versions, and they were both excellent."
• "These are the best Dampfnudel I've ever had. They're so easy to make and perfect for a crowd."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will make the Dampfnudel tough.
• If the Dampfnudel start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• You can use any type of fruit compote or dipping sauce you like.