MORAVIAN SUGAR CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• To proof yeast, add a pinch of sugar to the yeast in lukewarm water (hot water will kill the yeast action). If it foams, it is good.
• In large mixing bowl, cream eggs, salt, sugar & shortening till smooth.
• Gradually add warm milk & mashed potatoes, stirring a bit. Then add yeast, mixing well. Add flour, a cup at a time, until dough is stiff enough to turn out on a floured board.
• Knead dough until soft & spongy (about 10-15 minutes by hand, or if done in a food processor, mix until it forms a ball). Place in large greased bowl in a draft free, warm place & cover with a damp towel. Let dough double in size (approx. 2-3 hours).
• Punch down and divide dough.
• Place in greased pie pans or large cookie sheets, cover & let double in size again (approx. 1 ½ hrs.).
• Spread melted butter on top of cakes, punching holes in dough about 1 inch apart with fingers. Be careful not to punch down to bottom of pan but only half way down. Mix the topping thoroughly & pour into holes in the dough.
• Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top & sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden & fully baked on the bottom. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Place potato in a small saucepan with enough water to cover it by 1 inch; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until very tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Transfer potato to a strainer and let sit until completely drained. Force it through a ricer into a bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons warm water.
• Proof yeast in a small bowl with remaining 1/2 cup warm water until mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Stir yeast mixture, mashed potato, 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt together in a large bowl until well combined.
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead, 8 to 10 minutes, adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to form a smooth, elastic dough. Transfer the dough to large, buttered bowl, turning to coat with the butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Punch dough down, then press it evenly in a buttered 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Make indentations all over the top of the dough with your thumb and scatter the cold butter pieces over top. Stir brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the dough.
• Bake in the middle of the preheated oven until dark brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes and cut it into squares.