Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Yeast Cake

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Dough base

1. 1
   Dissolve the yeast and the sugar in the lukewarm milk and leave about 10 minutes, until the mixture foams.

   💡If the mixture doesn't foam in that time, the yeast is no longer active, or the water was too hot. Start over with fresh yeast and body-temperature water.
2. 2
   Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.

   Bowl
3. 3
   Add the yeast mixture, the eggs and the butter and Knead about 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pliable and doesn't stick to your hands.

   ⚙ KneadingBowlStand mixer

   💡For yeast dough, use the windowpane test: a small piece stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, and that's the sign the kneading is done. Add flour only by the tablespoon, and only if the dough is still sticky after a few minutes: too much flour makes a tough dough.
4. 4
   Cover and Let rise 1 hour in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel

   💡Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough is ready when it has doubled, and a gentle finger press leaves a dent that fills back slowly; if it springs right back, wait longer.

For the Pastry Filling

1. 5
   In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.

   Bowl

To assemble

1. 6
   Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the butter over it and the filling on top.

   ⚙ Rolling Out DoughRolling pin

   💡Roll from the center outward and give the dough a quarter turn between rolls: this keeps it even in thickness and stops it sticking to the counter. If it springs back, cover for 10–15 minutes and try again.
2. 7
   Roll into a tight log and cut into slices 3 cm wide.

   Knife
3. 8
   Arrange the slices in a greased pan and Let rise for 30 minutes.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towelBaking pan
4. 9
   Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (355°F) 25 minutes, until the slices are browned and puffed.

   ⚙ BakingOvenBaking pan

   💡Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.
5. 10
   Mix the powdered sugar and milk into a smooth glaze and pour it over the warm cake.