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1.
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Preheat the oven to 350F (325F if using a glass pan).
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Grease one 9-inch square pan,9-inch Bundt or tube pan, or 9-inch springform pan.
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Line with parchment or waxed paper, grease again, and dust with flour.
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2.
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To make the streusel: Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg if using.
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Cut in the butter to resemble coarse crumbs.
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If desired, stir in the nuts.
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3.
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To make the batter: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth, about 1 minute.
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Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
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Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time.
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Blend in the sour cream, vanilla, and zest if using.
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Stir in the flour mixture.
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4.
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Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan.
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Sprinkle with half of the streusel.
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Carefully cover with the remaining batter and sprinkle with the remaining streusel.
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5.
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Bake unitl the cake is golden and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 50 minutes.
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Set on a rack and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Wrap the kuchen in plastic and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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6.
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To make the glaze if using: Combine all the glaze ingredients, stirring until smooth and of pouring consistency.
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Drizzle over the cake and let stand until set.
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When baking and storing a cake containing acidic ingredients such as sour cream in an aluminum pan, line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the juices from reacting with the aluminum and creating a metallic flavor.
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Spread all the batter in a 13-by-9-inch pan, sprinkle with all of the topping, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
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After adding the middle layer of streusel, top with 1 cup peeled, cored, and thinkly sliced cooking apples, 1 cup peeled, pitted, and sliced peaches, or 1 cup pitted cherries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
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Combine 8 ounces softened cream chees, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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Spread over the top of the batter, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
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If desired, spread 1/2 cup melted blueberry, cherry, raspberry, or strawberry preserves or pie filling over the cheese mixture.
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Sprinkle with the streusel.
