10 Traditional German Desserts You Have to Try

Germany’s traditional desserts offer a delicious journey through rich flavors and classic recipes that have delighted taste buds for generations. From cakes to pastries, these treats are made with wholesome ingredients and carry a sweet simplicity that’s perfect for any occasion. Each dessert on this list celebrates a unique German culinary tradition, featuring comforting flavors that are easy to recreate at home.

Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Black Forest Cake is a chocolate and cherry delight that captures the rich flavors of Germany’s Black Forest region. To make it, you’ll need 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, a jar of sour cherries, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry liqueur). Start by whisking eggs and sugar until fluffy, then fold in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Bake the batter in layers, then soak each layer with kirsch for added flavor. Layer the cake with whipped cream and cherries, finishing with chocolate shavings for an elegant look and extra chocolate taste.

Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

Apple Strudel is a classic German dessert that brings together sweet apples and a flaky crust. For the filling, combine 6 cups peeled, sliced apples, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup raisins, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Roll out a thin layer of dough (you can use store-bought puff pastry), brush with melted butter, and sprinkle breadcrumbs before adding the apple filling. Carefully roll up the dough, tuck in the edges, and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until golden. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet and comforting dessert.

Bavarian Cream (Bayerische Creme)

Bavarian Cream is a creamy, custard-like dessert that’s light yet indulgent. You’ll need 1 cup milk, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon gelatin. Start by heating the milk until warm, then whisk with egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Dissolve the gelatin in a bit of water, then add to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Fold in whipped cream and let it chill for 2 hours to set. This dessert is perfect when topped with fresh berries or a berry sauce.

Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)

Bee Sting Cake is a soft, yeasted cake with a crunchy almond topping and a creamy filling. For this treat, you’ll need 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 packet yeast, and sliced almonds with honey for the topping. Start by mixing the yeast with warm milk, then add flour, eggs, and sugar to form a dough. Let it rise, then spread into a baking dish and top with almonds and honey. Bake at 350°F until golden, and once cooled, slice in half and fill with a vanilla cream for a delightful contrast in texture.

German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)

German Cheesecake is a unique variation made with quark, giving it a lighter texture than American cheesecakes. Combine 2 cups quark (or ricotta if quark is unavailable), 1 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup flour for the filling. For the crust, blend 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Press the dough into a springform pan, pour in the filling, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour. The result is a creamy, smooth cheesecake that’s delicious on its own or topped with fruit.

Plum Cake (Zwetschgenkuchen)

Plum Cake is a simple yet flavorful cake featuring fresh plums and a soft, buttery crust. You’ll need 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and around 10-12 fresh plums. Mix the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder to form a dough, then press into a baking dish. Arrange halved plums on top and sprinkle with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until the plums soften and the crust is golden. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Vanilla Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)

Vanilla Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies flavored with vanilla and almonds. To make these, you’ll need 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup ground almonds, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix the flour, almonds, and sugar, then rub in the butter until the dough comes together. Shape into small crescents, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish that’s perfect for the holidays.

Rice Pudding (Milchreis)

German Rice Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert best enjoyed warm with cinnamon and sugar. You’ll need 1 cup short-grain rice, 4 cups milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Combine rice, milk, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a spoonful of fruit compote. This dessert is a cozy treat, ideal for chilly evenings.

Berliner (Jam-Filled Donuts)

Berliners are fluffy, jam-filled donuts that are especially popular during holidays. For the dough, mix 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1 egg, and 1 packet yeast. Knead the dough, let it rise, then roll it out and cut circles. Place a small spoonful of jam in the center of each circle, seal, and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish and enjoy these donuts warm for the best flavor.

Poppy Seed Cake (Mohnkuchen)

Poppy Seed Cake is a nutty, fragrant cake filled with rich poppy seed filling. You’ll need 1 cup poppy seeds, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup butter, 2 eggs, and 1 packet yeast. Start by blooming the poppy seeds in warm milk and sugar, then prepare the yeast dough by combining flour, butter, eggs, and milk. Roll out the dough, spread the poppy seed filling, and roll it up like a jelly roll. Bake at 350°F until golden, and enjoy this dessert with a cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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