Alsatian Kugelhopf: A Cake for All Seasons

A specialty of the French region of Alsace, Kugelhopf is a light-textured, brioche-like cake made from yeast-raised dough flavored with raisins, lemon zest, and eau-de-vie. Usually baked in special ceramic molds with a tube in the center, most Kugelhopfs are crown- or turban-shaped, with fluted sides and a dusting of confectioner's sugar on top. Kugelhopfs are also made in molds of other shapes, such as hearts, stars, fish, and lambs, for holidays and special occasions (e.g., Christmas, Easter, weddings, baptisms). In Alsace these classic cakes are consumed in rural and urban areas by people of all ages, religions, and social classes.