Top 10 German Desserts & Sweets
German desserts and sweets are known for their delicious taste, delightful flavors, and mouth-watering aromas that will make your taste buds dance with delight. From traditional classics like Cinnamon Star Cookies to more modern creations like Spaghettieis, German desserts have something to offer everyone! Whether you’re looking for a classic holiday treat or an extravagant after-dinner dessert, Germany has it all.
So let’s explore some of the most popular German desserts so that you can indulge in their sweet goodness!
1. Bienenstich Kuchen (Bee Sting Cake)
When it comes to German desserts, the Bee Sting Cake should be at the top of your list. This delectable cake is a true treat for your taste buds, with its sweet pastry cream filling and caramelized almond topping.
But where did this cake get its unique name? Legend has it that a creative baker was experimenting with a new cake recipe that involved honey, but unfortunately, he got stung by bees that were attracted to the sweet treat. Another theory suggests that a group of villagers once threw bee hives at raiders from a neighboring village and, after successfully fending them off, decided to celebrate with a cake that would forever be known as Bienenstich. Sweet, huh?
However, regardless of its origin story, one thing is for sure — this cake is a favorite among Germans and non-Germans alike. Soft and fluffy yeast cake layers sandwiching a sweet, creamy filling, and topped with a crisp, caramelized layer of almonds — each bite of the Bee Sting Cake is an explosion of flavors and textures that’ll leave you wanting more!
2. Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake
If you’re a chocolate lover, then you must try Schokoladenkuchen mit Glasur und Sauerkraut, aka Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake! Before you dismiss it, hear me out. This cake is not only moist, rich, and chocolatey but also has a deliciously unexpected tangy flavor from the sauerkraut.
The German heritage of this cake makes it unique and a fantastic addition to any dessert table. Sauerkraut was originally used to keep sweet cakes moist when fresh ingredients were scarce during WWI, but it has since become a beloved ingredient in traditional German baking.
With its slightly unusual ingredient, Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake delivers on flavor and is a true conversation starter. Don’t knock it until you try it — Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake may just be your new favorite dessert!
3. Zwetschgenknoedel (Plum Dumplings)
Have you ever heard of Zwetschgenknoedel? Don’t worry, I didn’t know what it was either until I took a trip to Germany and stumbled upon it.
Just imagine biting into a warm and sweet plum, encased in a soft and fluffy dough that’s been boiled, rolled in buttery breadcrumbs, and then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will make you feel all warm and cozy inside. Zwetschgenknoedel is a dessert that is commonly served during the fall and winter seasons, but it’s also a year-round favorite for many in Germany.
Whether you pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Zwetschgenknoedel is a dessert that will quickly become a new favorite.
4. Kokosmakronen (German Coconut Macaroons)
If you’re looking for a delicious German treat that is easy to make, look no further than Kokosmakronen. These delightful little cookies are made with shredded coconut, egg whites, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. The result is a light, fluffy, and chewy treat that is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
One of the best things about Kokosmakronen is that they are naturally gluten-free, so they are a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Plus, they are incredibly versatile — you can add different flavors like almond or lemon zest or drizzle chocolate over them to mix things up.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Kokosmakronen is a fantastic recipe to try out and share with your friends and family.
5. Käsekuchen (Cheesecake)
When it comes to baked goods, Germany is a treasure trove of hidden delights. One such treat that has been tantalizing taste buds for generations is Käsekuchen, a type of German cheesecake.
This scrumptious dessert boasts a rich and creamy filling made with quark, a soft and tangy cheese that is popular across Europe. The crust is usually made with sweet crumbly dough, providing a lovely balance to the creamy cheese filling with its buttery texture and light sweetness.
Käsekuchen is a beloved dessert across Germany, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re indulging in a slice while cozied up next to the fire on a cold winter’s night or enjoying it with friends on a warm summer day, this delectable cheesecake is sure to leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
6. Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Star Cookies)
If you’re a fan of German cuisine, you may have already stumbled upon Zimtsterne. These star-shaped cookies may be small in size, but they’re big on flavor!
As their name suggests, Zimtsterne are all about the cinnamon. The dough is made up of almond flour, egg whites, powdered sugar, Vanillezucker (vanilla sugar), and a generous amount of cinnamon. Once baked, they’re usually drizzled with a sugar glaze for added sweetness.
What’s great about these treats is that they’re not only easy to make, but they also make for a wonderful holiday treat. Traditionally, Zimtsterne are enjoyed during Christmas time in Germany. But let’s be honest, they’re too good to be restricted to just one time of the year. So why not put on some festive music, tie on a holiday apron, and whip up a batch of Zimtsterne to share with your friends and family? Prost!
7. Rumkugeln (German Rum Balls)
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your longing for European flavors, then Rumkugeln, aka German Rum Balls, might just be the answer. These bite-sized balls are packed with butter, powdered sugar, chocolate, and of course, rum! Once formed into balls, these little delights are rolled in powdered cocoa, chocolate sprinkles, or shredded coconut–whichever takes your fancy!
They’re a traditional German sweet that’s usually enjoyed during the Christmas season, alongside other festive treats. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wait for the holiday season to enjoy these delightful morsels. They make for a perfect after-dinner dessert or even as a gift for your sweet-toothed friends and family.
Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why Rumkugeln are a beloved treat that’s stood the test of time. Try them out for yourself and see why they’re so irresistible.
8. Spaghettieis (Spaghetti Ice Cream)
Have you ever heard of German Spaghetti Ice Cream? Are you saying “what the heck?” — trust me, so did I!
Originating from Mannheim, Germany, this sweet treat is made by pressing vanilla ice cream through a potato ricer to create thin, spaghetti-like strands. The “spaghetti” is then placed on a bed of whipped cream and topped with strawberry sauce and grated white chocolate, mimicking the appearance of a classic spaghetti dish. It’s a fun and playful dessert that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Spaghettieis has become popular across Europe and is now available in many countries worldwide. So, if you’re ever in Germany or near a German restaurant, be sure to give it a taste!
9. Streuselkuchen (Classic German Crumb Cake)
If you’re a fan of German pastries, then Streuselkuchen, Germany’s Crumb Cake, is definitely worth trying. This cinnamon-scented coffee cake is a classic dessert that’s popular throughout Germany. The cake is made with a tender, buttery yeast dough that’s topped with a generous layer of crumbly, streusel topping, which gives it its name.
The best part? You can enjoy Streuselkuchen any time of day — with a cup of coffee for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a decadent dessert after dinner. The crumbly topping adds the perfect textural contrast to the soft, moist cake and the cinnamon flavor is warm and comforting. It’s no wonder that Streuselkuchen is a beloved dessert in Germany and around the world. So go ahead, grab a slice of Streuselkuchen and experience the deliciousness of German cuisine.
10. German Christmas Stollen
Have you ever tried German Christmas Stollen? It’s a holiday treat that’s worth seeking out! This traditional fruit and nut bread is loaded with spices like cinnamon and cardamom and often studded with chunks of marzipan. It’s a dense loaf, perfect for slicing and toasting for breakfast or snacking.
What’s great about German Stollen is that there are endless variations and regional specialties to explore. Some bakers might add dried cranberries or cherries to the mix, or swap out traditional raisins for currants or sultanas. The possibilities are endless!
And even if you’re not a big fan of fruitcake (like me!), German Stollen might just win you over with its tender texture and rich, buttery flavor. So why not give it a try this holiday season?
Wrapping It Up
From flavorful cakes to bite-sized treats, there’s something for everyone when it comes to German desserts. Whether you’re looking for a classic like Streuselkuchen or something more adventurous like Spaghettieis, these traditional sweets are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So why not give them a try and see why they’ve stood the test of time?
Guten appetit!
