Punschkrapfen, the name rolls off the tongue like a waltz in a Viennese ballroom, doesn’t it? But don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. This delightful Austrian treat, with its vibrant pink icing and playful rum-soaked center, is easier to make than you think.
Imagine biting into a fluffy cube of cake, its delicate crumb soaked in a sweet rum punch, all coated in a vibrant pink glaze. That’s Punschkrapfen! This Austrian dessert is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the taste buds, and today, I’m going to show you just how easy it is to recreate this Viennese classic right in your own kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Before we embark on this baking adventure, let’s gather our ingredients.
For the cake:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the rum punch:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup rum (feel free to adjust to your liking)
- 1 tablespoon water
For the pink icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons rum or water
- 1 tablespoon red currant jelly (or any red jelly of your choice)
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
For decoration:
- Small pieces of candied orange peel
Tools of the Trade:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
The Waltz Begins: Baking the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
- Gently fold in the melted butter until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.