Perfect German Butter Cake

• active dry yeast↗1 tablespoon
• sugar↗1⁄2 cup
• lukewarm water1⁄2 cup
• salt↗1 teaspoon
• unsalted butter↗1⁄2 cup
• milk↗3⁄4 cup
• vanilla bean↗1

  split

• lemon↗1

  zest of, grated

• large sized eggs3
• all-purpose flour↗4 cups
• Topping
• softened unsalted butter3⁄4
• sugar↗1⁄2 cup
• light brown sugar3⁄4

  packed

• ground walnuts↗1⁄3 cup

  optional

• cup ground almonds (optional)↗1⁄3
• teaspoon ground cinnamon↗1⁄2
• teaspoon vanilla extract↗1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Butter a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.

2. 2

   (Mixture 1) In a small bowl combine the yeast,1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the warm water.

3. 3

   Set aside mixture 1 for 15 minutes or until bubbles appear.

4. 4

   (Mixture 2) In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and butter.

5. 5

   Pour the milk into a saucepan. Add vanilla bean and pour into Mixture 2.

6. 6

   Let Mixture 2 sit until lukewarm.

7. 7

   Stir in Mixture 1 and add lemon zest.

8. 8

   Add eggs 1 at a time beating well after each addition.

9. 9

   Fold in flour a little at a time.

10. 10

    Beat dough until smooth.

11. 11

    Spread dough onto prepared pan and cover loosely with a tea towel and set aside in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.

12. 12

    Let rise.

13. 13

    Preheat oven to 400°F.

14. 14

    Cream butter, sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy stir in the vanilla, the cinnamon, and the nuts (nuts are optional).

15. 15

    Drop spoonfuls of the topping onto the dough.

16. 16

    Bake cake for 35 minutes or until top is golden.

17. 17

    Allow cake to completely cool IN PAN.

18. 18

    Cut into slices and serve with butter.