German Desserts
Indulge in a selection of classic German desserts, from extravagant Black Forest cake to simple apple strudel, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
- 3 layers Dark chocolate cake layers
- 1 jar Morello cherries Soaked in Kirsch
- 2 cups Heavy whipping cream Whipped until stiff peaks
- 1/2 cup Kirsch Cherry brandy
- 1/2 cup Dark chocolate shavings For garnish
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
- 1 sheet Strudel dough or phyllo pastry
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples Peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp Cinnamon For spicing the apples
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
German Butter Cake (Butterkuchen)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup Butter Melted for topping
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Sliced almonds For topping
- 1 cup Vanilla sugar
Bavarian Cream (Bayerische Creme)
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 bean Vanilla bean Scraped
- 1 tbsp Gelatin Bloomed
- 4 large Egg yolks
- 1/2 cup Sugar
German Christmas Cookies (Zimtsterne)
- 2 cups Ground almonds
- 2 large Egg whites
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 cup Powdered sugar For glazing
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
German Pancakes (Kaiserschmarrn)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar For serving
German Chocolate Truffles (Schokoladentrüffel)
- 8 oz Dark chocolate Chopped
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream For ganache
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Cocoa powder For rolling
- optional Flavorings e.g. vanilla or liqueur
Instructions
Black Forest Cake Instructions
- Bake three chocolate cake layers.
- Soak the cherries in Kirsch.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Layer the cake with cherries and cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Apple Strudel Instructions
- Roll the dough paper-thin.
- Mix the apple filling with cinnamon and raisins.
- Layer with breadcrumbs before rolling.
- Brush with melted butter and bake until golden.
German Butter Cake Instructions
- Prepare the yeast dough and let it rise twice.
- Press the dough into a pan.
- Top with butter chunks and sprinkle with almonds and sugar.
Bavarian Cream Instructions
- Make the vanilla custard.
- Bloom and add the gelatin to the custard.
- Fold in whipped cream and chill until set.
German Christmas Cookies Instructions
- Make almond meringue dough.
- Roll out and cut into star shapes.
- Top with glaze and bake until set.
- Cool completely before storing.
German Pancakes Instructions
- Make pancake batter by mixing eggs, milk, and flour.
- Cook in butter and tear into pieces.
- Caramelize with sugar and serve with compote.
German Chocolate Truffles Instructions
- Heat cream and pour it over chopped chocolate.
- Chill until ganache firms.
- Form into balls and roll in cocoa powder or other coatings.
Notes
German desserts are best enjoyed fresh, but many can be prepared in advance. Store properly to maintain freshness.