If you’re looking for something new and interesting to try for dessert today, why not make your own Chocolate Streusel? Also known as Streuselkuchen, it’s a traditional German cake with a layer of crumb-like topping over a more standard cake base. Streusel in German literally means scattered or sprinkled, in reference to how the crumb is arranged on top of the cake. It’s often served at special events and eaten with whipped cream or ice cream. Although the classic Streusel is flavoured with apple and cinnamon, the more modern chocolate version has gained popularity over the years.
The origin of Streusel can be traced back to Silesia which now falls in the western region of Poland although there’s very little written history to trace. It was around the 19th century that it seems to have become a household favourite as it spread into neighbouring Prussian provinces. Along with the migration of Silesians, Streusel migrated further into Germany and now you can find one in most homes and bakeries of Germany.
Ingredients:
Streusel
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (packed) light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- For the Streusel mix together the chocolate chips, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake.
- Grease and flour your cake tin and preheat an oven to 180°C.
- With a whisk or electric mixer cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and aerated.
- Start adding in the eggs one at a time and continue whisking at a low speed.
- Start adding in the dry flour mix one spoon at a time, alternating with spoons of sour cream.
- Finally, add the vanilla and combine the batter, do not overmix.
- Layer in your batter with Streusel and top with more Streusel before baking for 70-80 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy!
