Preparation:
To make the yeast dough: stir a pinch of sugar into warm milk and sprinkle with yeast. Let stand 5 minutes or until the surface is frothy. Stir gently to moisten any dry particles remaining on top. Sift flour, remaining sugar and salt into a large bowl. Melt butter; cool slightly. Lightly beat butter and eggs into yeast mixture. Pour into flour mixture, combining to make a dough. On a floured surface, knead dough lightly. Cover and let rise in a warm place 1 hour. Grease a 13 by 9-inch (33x23-cm) cake pan.
To make filling: Cream butter and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, cream cheese, cornstarch, lemon peel and raisins, if used.
Knead risen dough, roll out to fit bottom of greased cake pan. Place dough in pan. Spread cream cheese mixture on top.
To make topping: Mix flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Melt butter; gradually add to flour mixture using a fork. Mixture should resemble crumbs. Sprinkle crumb topping over cream cheese filling. Let stand 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (203 degrees C).
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden. |