Butter Cake is the English translation for kouign-amann which originated in the town of Douarnenez in Finistère, Brittany around 1860. Brittany is a beautiful area of France where there is a big push to preserve both the language and traditions of the area. We have visited once and I look forward to returning there some day.
Desserts formed a large part of our trip to Brittany as I became slightly obsessed with galettes. So much so that I would even venture to eaten savoury ones. While there I did not get to try this kouign-amann. It is made using bread dough with butter folded through it in the same manner as puff pastry. At the very end of the folding, sugar is added to make it a sweet cake. If one were to adhere to the original recipe then the ratio of 40 percent dough, 30 percent butter, and 30 percent sugar would be used. As you can see, mine caught on top and is slightly burnt. That is from using fructose.
I am passionate about using regional, seasonable and sustainable produce when I cook. I live in Gordons Bay with my husband and dogs. We visit new places locally and overseas as often as we can to experience the food of the area. Follow along on our adventures!
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34 thoughts on “Butter Cake | Kouign-Amann | Brittany”
I make a butter cake without yeast, but I think others call it a marble cake. Yours looks nice.
I love puff pastry and the way the butter looks and tastes folded in. Knowing me, this cake/bread will take several attempts but totally be worth it. I wish I had a piece right now with a cup of tea for breakfast. Maybe I can pop over the Ocean?
Oh man!! I am so addicted to kouign amann! I had them for the 1st time in Europe last summer and I have been wanting to try my hand at making them. Very inspiring!
I am so loving the texture of this – I don’t think I’ve ever had a sweet butter cake like this – I wish you lived closer so I could pop by and sample a slice!
Tandy, I’ve been meaning to make kouign-amann since I first heard of it a few years ago, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet, which is pretty puzzling to me since I’m such a breadaholic! Must get on the ball now that you’ve inspired me!
I make a butter cake without yeast, but I think others call it a marble cake. Yours looks nice.
Thank you Mary, I have not made a marble cake for ages 🙂
I have never heard of butter cake before, but just looking at this I want to eat it whilst drinking a big cup of coffee.
Hope you spoil yourself with these Dannii 🙂
I love puff pastry and the way the butter looks and tastes folded in. Knowing me, this cake/bread will take several attempts but totally be worth it. I wish I had a piece right now with a cup of tea for breakfast. Maybe I can pop over the Ocean?
These made a great breakfast 🙂
Oh man!! I am so addicted to kouign amann! I had them for the 1st time in Europe last summer and I have been wanting to try my hand at making them. Very inspiring!
I am so going to buy them when we are in France in September 🙂
Oh my word that sounds delicious!
thanks Tanya 🙂
I am so loving the texture of this – I don’t think I’ve ever had a sweet butter cake like this – I wish you lived closer so I could pop by and sample a slice!
Well, if you ever find yourself in my fishing village you are more than welcome 🙂
Ooh I made one of these and I loved it so much! So much delicious butter 😀
Butter makes everything better!
Wow, that is such a different technique of making a butter cake. I feel I could almost dunk that into a hot chocolate!
I think I need to make them again Jem 🙂
It looks like a perfect snack to my green tea! Mniam mniam! 🙂
The perfect offset to the healthy tea Agness 🙂
Love how beautiful and delicious this butter cake looks. So much yes to this! 🙂
Thank you Anu 🙂
Hi Tandy, I have heard of this type of cake, you did a fabulous job, looks delicious!
Thanks Cheri 🙂
Tandy, I’ve been meaning to make kouign-amann since I first heard of it a few years ago, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet, which is pretty puzzling to me since I’m such a breadaholic! Must get on the ball now that you’ve inspired me!
This is perfect for any breadaholic 🙂
Wish i had this beautiful butter cake in my life right now, would go a treat with a sweetened tea.
It would indeed!
This butter cake looks so delicious and soft. I wish I can have it with my cup of tea right now.
http://doreensstylediary.com
It was really delicious Doreen 🙂
Gorgeous Tandy!
Thanks Tammy!
Lovely looking treat, Tandy. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia 🙂