Helmstetter Kugelhopf

This basic kugelhopf, light and fragrant, comes from the Boulangerie Helmstetter in the historic village of Colmar in Alsace. The shop and this recipe have passed from Helmstetter father to son for over 200 years. If you stop in, be sure to try their other specialty, a deliciously moist pain aux noix (walnut bread).

You can also serve this as a dessert, with syrup and ice cream (see the variation).