When you think about German cakes, you're likely to picture rich flavors and comforting textures that enhance any gathering. You might be curious about classics like Black Forest Cake, with its layers of chocolate and cherries, or the elegant Sacher Torte that promises a decadent chocolate experience. Then there's the Streuselkuchen, a cozy treat that's hard to resist. Each cake tells a story of Germany's baking heritage, but which ones truly stand out? Let's investigate the five best German cake recipes that could become your new favorites.
Black Forest Cake
Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a classic German dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and tart cherries. This indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Traditionally, it's finished with chocolate shavings and more cherries, making it not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained and juice reserved
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Chocolate shavings (for decoration)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
When the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the cakes sit overnight after baking; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When assembling the cake, brush each layer with the reserved cherry juice to keep the cake moist and improve the cherry flavor. Be generous with the whipped cream and cherries between layers for a more decadent experience.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a splash of Kirsch (cherry schnapps) to the whipped cream or the cherry filling.
Finally, don't forget to save some cherries and chocolate shavings for the top decoration to make your Black Forest Cake truly irresistible!
Sacher Torte
Sacher Torte is a classic chocolate cake originating from Austria, often associated with the famous Hotel Sacher in Vienna. This rich, decadent dessert features a dense chocolate sponge cake layered with a smooth apricot jam and covered in a glossy chocolate glaze.
Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, Sacher Torte is sure to impress with its luxurious flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, for glazing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, then let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the melted chocolate.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form, then gradually fold them into the chocolate mixture, followed by the flour.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let it cool completely before slicing the cake in half horizontally. Spread the apricot jam between the layers and on top of the cake.
For the glaze, melt the bittersweet chocolate with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth, and then pour it over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and apricot jam. If you want a more pronounced apricot taste, you can also add a splash of apricot brandy to the jam before spreading it on the cake.
Allow the Sacher Torte to sit for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence!
Streuselkuchen
Streuselkuchen, or crumb cake, is a beloved German dessert that combines a soft, buttery cake base with a sweet, crumbly topping. This delightful treat can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, and it's perfect for any occasion, from coffee breaks to celebrations.
The combination of the rich cake and the crunchy streusel topping creates a satisfying texture and flavor that's simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (about 7g) vanilla sugar
- 1 packet (about 15g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100ml milk
- 200g fruit of your choice (apples, cherries, or plums work well)
- 100g additional flour (for the streusel)
- 75g additional sugar (for the streusel)
- 50g cold butter (for the streusel)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for the streusel)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they're well incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Layer your chosen fruit on top of the batter.
For the streusel, combine the additional flour, sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the fruit.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help the batter to mix more evenly and create a lighter cake.
When choosing fruit, opt for those that are ripe but not overripe to maintain their shape during baking.
You can also experiment with different flavorings in your streusel, such as nuts or oats, for added texture.
Streuselkuchen can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings!
Käsekuchen
Käsekuchen, or German cheesecake, is a luscious dessert that combines a creamy cheese filling with a crisp crust, making it a beloved treat in Germany and beyond. This delightful cake is defined by its rich flavor, which comes from quark cheese or a similar creamy cheese, and is often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh fruits on top.
Perfect for any occasion, this Käsekuchen is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 200g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 500g quark cheese (or ricotta)
- 150g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a springform pan.
In a bowl, crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers and mix them with the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, beat the quark cheese with sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until everything is well blended.
Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the quark with cream cheese.
If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in some whipped cream before pouring the filling onto the crust.
To improve the presentation, consider topping your Käsekuchen with fresh berries or a fruit compote before serving.
For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this will guarantee a smoother batter.
Enjoy your delicious Käsekuchen with a cup of coffee or tea!
Apfelkuchen
Apfelkuchen, or German apple cake, is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with a rich, buttery cake base. This recipe results in a moist and flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion, from coffee gatherings to family celebrations.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the apples to shine through, making it a favorite among both children and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or any tart variety)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Peel, core, and slice the apples, then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, then layer the sliced apples evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider tossing the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon before layering them onto the batter.
You can also experiment with different types of apples for varied sweetness and tartness.
If you want a richer cake, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
Serve the Apfelkuchen warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!