Silesian Streuselkuchen

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (4 cups, divided)
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet))
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, divided)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Warm milk (1 cup (110°f or 43°c))
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Large egg (1)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Cold unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cubed)
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.
2. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until a soft dough begins to form.
3. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
6. For the streusel topping, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a separate bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the Streuselkuchen to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.