5 Easy German Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
German cuisine is known for its hearty meals and delicious bread, but its dessert offerings are just as impressive, even if they often fly under the radar. For those with a sweet tooth, exploring German desserts can be a delightful adventure. Here, we bring you five simple yet scrumptious German dessert recipes that you can try at home. Each recipe combines tradition with ease of preparation, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts.
Recipe 1: Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)
Starting our list is the iconic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, known as Black Forest Cake. This delightful creation combines rich chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream to create a dessert that’s both elegant and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 200g dark chocolate
- 6 eggs
- 200g sugar
- 150g flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 400g cherries (pitted)
- 50ml Kirsch (cherry liqueur)
- 800ml whipping cream
- 2 tbsp sugar (for cream)
- Chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries for decoration
Steps:
- Make the Cake: Melt the chocolate and let it cool. Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy, then fold in the melted chocolate, sifted flour, and cocoa. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Soak the cherries in Kirsch, and whip the cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into three layers. Brush each layer with Kirsch, spread a layer of cherries, and then a layer of whipped cream. Stack the layers.
- Decorate: Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream, and decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.
⚠️ Note: When using alcohol in desserts, always be cautious of its strength. For non-alcoholic versions, cherry juice can be a delightful substitute for Kirsch.
Recipe 2: Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
Apfelstrudel, or Apple Strudel, is a quintessential German dessert that showcases the simple elegance of apples, cinnamon, and a flaky pastry.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 100g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 50g raisins (optional)
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 50g walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 8 sheets of filo pastry
- 100g melted butter
- Icing sugar for dusting
Steps:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix apples with sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts. Toast the breadcrumbs in a bit of butter until golden.
- Assemble: Lay out the filo sheets, brush each with melted butter, and layer the filling on one end. Roll the strudel, sealing the edges, and place it seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the top with more butter and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with icing sugar before serving.
🍏 Note: For an authentic taste, use tart apples like Granny Smith; their sharpness complements the sweetness of the strudel.
Recipe 3: Pfannkuchen mit Apfelmus (German Apple Pancakes)
German pancakes, or Pfannkuchen, can be sweet or savory, but when filled with apple sauce, they make a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 125g flour
- 250ml milk
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar to taste
- Apple sauce for filling
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Steps:
- Make the Batter: Whisk together eggs, flour, milk, and salt to form a smooth batter.
- Cook: Heat a non-stick pan, pour in batter to make thin pancakes, cooking until bubbles form on the surface then flip.
- Fill: Once cooked, spread apple sauce over half of each pancake, fold, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Recipe 4: Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
These crescent-shaped cookies, known as Vanillekipferl, are a traditional Christmas treat but delightful any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 200g flour
- 150g butter, chilled and diced
- 100g ground almonds
- 80g sugar
- Vanilla sugar (for coating)
Steps:
- Prepare Dough: Combine flour, butter, almonds, and sugar until a dough forms. Chill.
- Form Cookies: Roll small pieces of dough into crescents, place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Coat: While still warm, roll the cookies in vanilla sugar.
🍪 Note: Ensure you coat the cookies in vanilla sugar while still warm; this helps the sugar to stick better.
Recipe 5: Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)
Bienenstich, or Bee Sting Cake, features a yeasted dough base topped with honey and almonds, and a vanilla custard filling.
Ingredients:
- For Dough:
- 500g flour
- 30g yeast
- 250ml milk
- 80g butter
- 60g sugar
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
- For Topping:
- 100g butter
- 100g sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 100g flaked almonds
- 1 tbsp cream
- For Filling:
- 500ml milk
- 50g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder
Steps:
- Make Dough: Combine flour, yeast, milk, butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Let it rise until doubled.
- Prepare Topping: Melt butter with sugar and honey, add cream and almonds. Pour over the dough before baking.
- Bake: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- Filling: Make custard as per the pudding packet instructions. Let cool.
- Assemble: Cut the cake in half horizontally, spread custard over the bottom half, and replace the top.
These five German desserts bring together the comforting flavors and textures that are characteristic of German baking. From the luscious Black Forest Cake to the simple yet delicious Bee Sting Cake, each recipe provides a taste of Germany's rich culinary heritage. They are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and occasions.
What is a good substitute for Kirsch in the Black Forest Cake?
+Cherry juice or even cherry syrup can be used as a substitute for Kirsch. For an alcohol-free version, you might also consider a cherry soda or a mixture of cherry juice with a splash of almond or vanilla extract for added flavor.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for Apfelstrudel?
+While traditional Apfelstrudel uses filo or strudel dough, in a pinch, a pie crust can be used. Just roll it out thinly to mimic the flakiness of filo. However, the texture and flavor might slightly differ from the classic version.
How long do German desserts typically last?
+Most German desserts like cakes and cookies will last for 2-3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. Custard-based desserts or those with fruit fillings should be refrigerated and will last up to 4 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.
