Easter Baking from Germany, Aachener Poschweck

If you are looking for an alternative sweet yeasted bread to our regular hot cross buns then this is a delicious option. The loaf is sweetly scented with vanilla and would suit anyone who finds the traditional bun spices not to their taste.

The texture of the loaf is quite light as it is not too rich in butter but it has 3 egg yolks that add a little brioche like texture. The novelty of the loaf for me was the inclusion of sugar cubes. These melt somewhat as it bakes creating syrupy and mildly crunchy pockets. The cubes would have softened more if I had not added them a little late in the process, having managed to forget them until after the first rise. The cubes become quite tender though so do not be put off at the thought that you will be biting into rock hard sugar cubes.

In addition to the vanilla flavouring there is grated orange zest which I substituted with some finely chopped candied orange rind. There are also raisins and chopped almonds, not too many, so it is not heavy at all.

The recipe comes from a baking website I have followed for some years now called hefe und mehr. Do not be put off by the German blog title, all the recipes appear in both German and English languages. There is a charming story to the bread that the bakers used to have to give it away to their customers at Easter, what a lovely tradition that was for the customers!

The recipe was actually posted last year and can be found here: Aachener Poschweck

Do have a look at recent posts though as you will find even more great breads for Easter such as a chocolate version of the Italian Colomba Pasquale and the recipe writing is very detailed and informative.

The final loaf is quite large but keeps well, and is perfect with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

You know the Americans with their messed about donuts, muffins and brownies, and the French with their macaroons and chi chi meringues have stolen the baking limelight of recent years but it is time we started to look closer at Germany, they have some absolute gems in their repertoire.