German Cake Recipes (in English)

I have been living in Germany for over a decade now, and in that time I have cooked (and eaten!) my way through loads of delicious German cakes and bakes. While many people associate Germany with beer and pretzels, I think the locals would argue that the true food of Germany is coffee and cake.

The afternoon ritual of coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) is so dear to the German heart, that it’s not unusual to sit down to no less than three different, delicious cakes for in the afternoon (possibly even as a prelude to dinner). These cakes are glorious confections, ranging from the famous Black Forest Gateau or Cherry Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) to the yeast dough Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich).

What all these cakes have in common is that they are truly, mouthwateringly tasty, and best of all, with a little help from me, you’ll be whipping them up at home in no time.

Below you’ll find 15 (and counting) of my favourite German Cake recipes (written in English) with clear photos and step by step instructions to ensure your German-style baking is perfect every time.

1

Easy German Apple Cake

My easy German Apple Cake recipe is a tried and tested favourite. Known as Versunkener Apfelkuchen (sunken apple cake) around these parts, this simple cake is ever popular and totally delicious.

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2

Classic German Strawberry Cake (Erdbeerkuchen)

German Strawberry Cake or Erdbeerkuchen is made from a heavenly combination of soft sponge cake, creamy vanilla custard, and fresh spring strawberries, all topped with a sweet, clear jelly. The most beautiful of all summer cakes.

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3

German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)

Perfectly tangy, light and fluffy, a traditional German cheesecake or 'Käsekuchen' is a true baker's delight. My tried and tested recipe works every time and is ideal for serving with coffee or as a dessert.

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4

German Käse-Sahne Torte

Käse Sahne Torte, or German Cream and Cheese Cake, is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets! Not to be confused with a Käsekuchen (cheesecake), a Käse-Sahne Torte is made from two layers of vanilla sponge, filled with a dreamy, creamy, lighter-than-air filling of Quark and cream with a hint of citrus. It is a true tea-time delight!

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5

Black Forest Cherry Cake

A retro classic, Black Forest Cherry Cake or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is as delicious today as ever. A tower of chocolate, cream, cherries… what could be better?

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6

Classic German Bienenstich

Sweet yeast dough, vanilla custard cream and a crunchy honey almond topping – it can only be a Classic German Bienenstich or Bee Sting Cake. This most beloved of German cakes is perfect for afternoon tea.

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7

German Blueberry Streusel Cake

Packed with sweet summer blueberries, a hint of lemon and topped with gloriously buttery streusel, my German Blueberry Coffee Cake is incredibly delicious and simple to make. Perfect for a special occasion or just for snacking. Serve this sweet treat with plenty of whipped cream and a cup of coffee. Yum!

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8

Red Currant Crumble Cakes

Red Currant Crumble Cakes – or Johannisbeer Streusaltaler as they are known here in Germany are a long-standing bakery favourite. Soft, enriched yeast dough, or Hefeteig topped with a generous amount of tart red currants, sprinkled over with masses of buttery streusel and finished off with a zingy lemon icing is like a burst of summer on the plate.

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9

Simple Lemon Bundt Cake

My Simple Lemon Bundt Cake is bursting with fresh, citrussy flavour. Made with yoghurt and oil, it has a soft and tender crumb. Perfect for coffee or morning tea!

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10

Buchteln (German Sweet Dumplings)

Buchteln or German Sweet Dumplings are pillowy soft rolls made from a buttery yeast dough and filled with fresh fruit or jam. Sometimes known as Rohrnudeln, my Buchteln recipe is a family favourite. Serve these sweet yeast rolls with plenty of vanilla custard sauce. Yum!

11

German Strawberry Cream Torte

Light and airy sponge cake, filled and topped with whipped cream and quark or yoghurt and juicy, jewel-like strawberries. This cake is a classic of the German kitchen and is the perfect cake for a summer party.

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12

Plum Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Plums pair beautifully with both cinnamon and ground almonds in this delicious Plum Cinnamon Streusel Cake.

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13

‘Eierlikörtorte’ German Advocaat Cake

What is this fabulous cake you ask? This is an old family recipe from my German family. In fact, my mother in law makes such a delicious version that I especially requested it for my wedding day. It’s known here in Germany as an Eierlikörtorte, and it’s a glorious concoction of nuts, dark chocolate, whipped cream and advocaat that is seriously moreish.

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14

Old Fashioned Cherry Cake

My Old Fashioned Cherry Cake is a lovely, dense, rustic cake full of deliciously tart sour cherries. Perfect for afternoon tea or to pack for a summer picnic.

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15

Zwetschgendatschi – Bavarian Plum Tart

Zwetschgendatschi, sometimes known as Plaumenkuchen or Zwetschgenkuchen is a deliciously fruity German plum slice with origins in the Bavarian town of Augsburg. With sweet prune plums on a tender pastry base, topped with cinnamon sugar, this Bavarian speciality is a wonderful late summer treat.

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Looking for more German Recipes?

Be sure to check out my famous Oktoberfest Roast Chicken (Wiesn-Hendl) recipe! For even more delicious and easy Oktoberfest recipes, click here!