Moravian Sugar Cake

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sweetness of cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough is made with mashed potatoes, sugar, and nutmeg, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. The recipe makes a deliciously sweet and savory bread that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed potatoes ¹
• 3/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco) ²
• 2 slightly beaten eggs
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup hot potato water
• 1 cup. sugar
• 2 pkg dry yeast, rapid rise
• 4-5 cup bread flour (Prefer King Arthur brand, unbleached)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 4 tblsp brown sugar
• 3 tblsp butter

Substitutions

1. For: 1 cup mashed potatoes use: Instant potatoes: prepare instant potatoes to make 1 cup using all water (no milk). Use 1 1/2 cups hot water for potato water in recipe.
2. For: 3/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco) use: 12 tbsp butter (1 1/2 sticks)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to at 375 degrees F
2. Mix potatoes, water, 3 1/2 sticks butter, nutmeg, and sugar. Should be very warm.
3. Remove 1/2 cup of the potato water and add yeast. Should bubble after about 15 minutes.
4. Mix yeast, salt, and flour in large separate bowl. Add liquid mixture and beaten eggs. Dough should resemble heavy muffin batter. Cover and let rise in warm place until double. Mix with hands. Dough should have a little gloss. Let rise another thirty minutes.
5. Punch down, spread in four 8- or 9-inch greased layer pans. Let rise.
6. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Spread light brown sugar on top and pour melted butter.
7. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes total, 10 minutes on bottom rack and 10 minutes on top rack.