Kaffee and Kuchen Germany- Traditional German Cakes

The tradition of Kaffee and Kuchen (cake and coffee) on Sunday afternoons is wonderfully ingrained in the culture. Traditional German Cakes and Tortes, baked from Traditional Recipes, are familiar favorites. Cakes made with real cream, fruit, chocolate, nuts, and streusel make their appearance every week mid-afternoon as a nice treat after a walk or nap. They are served with a mellow German coffee on good china. This is a treat to be savored, a time for family and friends to sit together and just enjoy life.

Whether you bake your own or buy them from your favorite Bakery, choosing which one you want is the hardest part. With so many to choose from, what are the Best German Cakes Recipes for your Kaffeklatsch?

Blitz Torte (Lightening Cake)

The name Blitzkuchen is not because the baker was struck by lightning but rather because of how FAST this “fancy” cake is ready. Two layers of simple cake baked with a meringue topping are filled with whipped cream and possibly fruits like cherries or gooseberries. It’s an unbelievably easy cake to make, but it looks like you worked for hours. This delicious, simple recipe comes from my Tante Anne. For the recipe–>Blitz Torte

 

Apfel Kuchen (Apple Cake)

There are almost as many variations on ApfelKuchen as there are bakers. In a Versunkener Apfelkuchen, Sunken Apple Cake, slices of apple are placed on the dough before baking so that they sink into the cake. Easy and very traditional. Served simply with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a big spoonful of real whipped cream, this classic cake is a treat any time of year. This cake was always on our Kaffee Klatsch table. Find the recipe for Versunkerer Apfelkuchen here–> Apfel Kuchen

 

Rhabarbar Baiser Kuchen (Rhubarb Meringue Cake)

In springtime, you will see rhubarb cakes everywhere, and for good reason, rhubarb is delicious! In this cake, the sweetness of meringue works perfectly with the tartness of the rhubarb in this Rhabarbar Baiser Kuchen. Best of all, it’s not complicated to make, even though it looks “fancy”. Find the recipe here– Rhubarb Meringue Cake

Frankfurter Kranz

The Frankfurter Kranz appeared in Frankfurt around 1735 and symbolizes a crown with cherry Jewels. The cake itself is a sponge cake, baked in a Bundt or Gugelhopf form, cut into 3 horizontal layers, then filled and frosted with a rich buttercream. A caramelized hazelnut topping adds crunch and delicious flavor. Although it requires a little extra work, this is one of the easier Tortes to make. This cake was a special treat when we visited mom’s friend Marion (we kids had to wait until the adults had their fill, then we could have some… if there was any left!) Find the Recipe for Frankfurter Kranz here–> Frankfurter Kranz

 

Kirsch Kuchen  (Cherry Cake)

Simple cakes loaded with fruit, like this Kirschkuchen (Sour Cherry Cake), are fantastic for weekday baking and snacking. Just mix the batter, top or stir in cherries, and bake. Decorate with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, and you have a fabulous dessert. Use jarred cherries or frozen! The sour ones or Morello cherries taste the best, but you can substitute other stone fruits like apricots or peaches. Find the recipe here.–>Kirschkuchen

 

 

Himbeer Käsestreuselkuchen (Raspberry Streusel Cheesecake)

I once crossed Berlin for a slice of this cake. And it was worth it. The Raspberry Streusel Cheesecake ticks every box… tart raspberries, smooth cheesecake filling, and a crunchy sweet Streusel topping. It’s really a cake to please everyone. Fortunately, you don’t have to find your way to Berlin to enjoy it. Find the recipe here- Himbeer Käsestreuselkuchen

 

Donauwellen (Schneewittchen Kuchen)

Donauwellen, literally “Danube Waves,” is a sheet cake that gets its name from the layered waves you see when you slice into it. Chocolate and vanilla cake are marbled before baking and topped with vanilla cream and tart cherries. Once the cake has cooled, a rich layer of chocolate glaze goes across the top. The cake’s other name, Schneewittchen Kuchen, comes from that combination of dark and light, with cherry red for lips. I was so excited when My Tante Annemarie, who looks like Schneewittchen, made us this delicious cake and gave me her recipe. Find the Recipe for Donauwellen here– Donauwellen

Donauwellen- photo courtesy of wikipedia commons

 

Bienenstich (Bee Sting)

Legend has it that the baker who originally baked a Bienenstich was stung by a bee attracted to this favorite cake’s sweet smell. This sheet cake is topped with a layer of caramelized almond slices. After cooling, the cake is sliced horizontally and filled with sweet vanilla pastry cream. My dad’s favorite! Find the recipe here–> Bienenstich

 

 Pflaumen kuchen (Plum Cake)

When Zwetschgen (an oval Italian plum) are in season, Pflaumenkuchen shows up everywhere from the corner bakery to the Konditerei… and with good reason. The delightful contrast between cake and slightly sour plum topped with either sugar crystals or streusel makes a delicious cake that isn’t as rich or heavy as a cream torte. To me, it tastes like Summer. Find the recipe here–>Plum Cake

 

MORE Traditional German Cakes!

Kaese Sahne Torte ( Cheese and Cream Cake)

Consider Kaese Sahne Torte a perfect hybrid of Cheesecake and a whipped cream cake. A creamy, delicious 2-3 inch thick filling is tucked between two thin cake layers. It may look like a heavy calorie bomb, but this cake is light enough to make you consider taking a second slice. Or a third. This special box mix recipe is proof that baking traditional German cakes doesn’t have to be difficult! For the Recipe–> Kase Sahne Torte

Schwarzwalder Kirsch Torte (Black Forest Cherry Cake)

No list of Traditional German Cakes and Tortes would be complete without the iconic Schwarzwalder Kirsch Torte. Chocolate cake is soaked a bit with Kirsch Liqueur (which gives it the name), then filled and frosted with whipped cream, Morello cherries, and chocolate shavings. Interestingly enough, the Black Forest Cakes’ origins are relatively recent, although who exactly made it first is up for debate. But whoever made it first won’t matter to you when you dig into a slice. For the recipe–> Schwarzwalder Kirsch Torte

 

Obst Boden (Fruit Flan)

An Obst Boden must be the most versatile cake in the German Bakery. This simple sponge cake is baked in a special Boden / Flan pan and is filled with whatever fruits you have on hand…. everything from a mound of strawberries to a rainbow of layered slices of mandarin, banana, mango, cherries, grapes, and even poached fruit. Top that with a glaze of melted jam or a layer of Torten Guss, a thin layer of Gelatin to keep the fruit fresh. It’s refreshing and beautiful. Find the recipe here–>Obst boden

 

Heidelbeer Käsekuchen (Blueberry Cheesecake)

The best of both worlds! Rich, creamy cheesecake baked with loads of fresh and juicy blueberries. Perfect for summertime! This cake is light enough to have two pieces. Normally, a baked German Käsekuchen (cheesecake) contains Quark. Since that ingredient is difficult to find in the US, this recipe uses Neufchatel Cheese for excellent results. Find the recipe here- > Heidelbeer Käsekuchen

 

Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)

Apfelstrudel is the dessert everyone automatically thinks of when thinking of dessert in Germany. Thin and crispy layers of flaky pastry are wrapped around thinly sliced apples, raisins, and sugar. Perfect with a schlag of whipped cream and a steaming cup of coffee. Added bonus! Since there is so much fruit in a Strudel, you don’t have to feel guilty about having a second piece.

Making the pastry from scratch is best left to experts, but you can use store-bought Phyllo dough for easy results. Find the Recipe here–> Apple Strudel 

 

Marmorkuchen (Marble Cake)

Marmorkuchen is the cake designed to make everyone at the table happy. This beautiful pound cake has swirls of  chocolate and vanilla batter! Serve it with whipped cream for a special weekend treat… or pack it in a lunch box to make your child extra happy at school. For the recipe-> Marmorkuchen 

Eierlikor Torte (Egg Liqueur Cake)

I’m including this one, because it’s a cake I will order when I’m in a German Cafe… the Eierlikor topping on a vanilla and chocolate cake is the ultimate indulgence! For a recipe-> Eierlikor Torte

 

 

Looking for more Traditional German Cake Recipes?

Classic German Baking: The Very Best Recipes for Traditional Favorites, from Pfeffernüsse to StreuselkuchenDr. Oetker: German Baking Today: The Original

What is YOUR Favorite German Cake?