How to Make Breton Butter Cake: A Slice of Brittany in Your Kitchen

Breton butter cake, also known as kouign amann, is a pastry that hails from the Brittany region of France. It’s a delightful treat that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet and slightly salty flavor. Imagine biting into a pastry that’s crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside, with a hint of caramel sweetness in every bite. That’s Breton butter cake for you! If you’re looking for a unique baking project that will impress your friends and family, look no further. This guide will take you through all the steps to create this delicious treat in your own kitchen.

A Taste of Brittany: What Makes This Cake Special?

Breton butter cake gets its unique texture and flavor from a generous amount of butter that’s layered between the dough. As the cake bakes, the butter melts, creating pockets of rich flavor and a wonderfully flaky texture. The dough itself is quite simple, made with flour, sugar, yeast, and of course, butter!

Ready to Bake? Gather Your Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Breton butter cake:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup warm water (100-110°F)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small cubes

For the Finishing Touches:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Tools of the Trade:

Before we begin, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish or cake pan
• Pastry brush (optional)

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

3. Incorporate the Butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add the Yeast Mixture: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.

5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

7. Second Rise & Shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out one portion of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it in the bottom of the pie dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar over the dough. Repeat with the second portion of dough.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

9. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Baking Perfection:

• Butter Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter is at room temperature, but not too soft. This will ensure that the butter creates those desirable flaky layers in the cake.

• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading the dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough cake.

• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.

• Experiment with Flavors: While the classic Breton butter cake is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or sprinkle some cinnamon over the sugar before baking.

FAQs About Breton Butter Cake:

Q: Can I freeze Breton butter cake?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in a low oven before serving.

Q: What can I serve with Breton butter cake?

A: Breton butter cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit.

Breton Butter Cake Ingredients

Breton Butter Cake Process

A Taste of Tradition:

Baking Breton butter cake is like taking a trip to Brittany without leaving your kitchen. It’s a chance to experience the warmth and heartiness of French baking traditions. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful baking adventure.

We encourage you to share your baking experiences! Leave a comment below and tell us about your Breton butter cake masterpiece. And for more delicious recipes from around the world, check out our other blog posts, like this one on How to Make Buckwheat Cake or this guide to baking a classic Gateau Breton. Happy baking!