The "king of cakes": Baumkuchen

DW (English)

Have you tried the “king of cakes”? Baumkuchen: layered, flame-baked, and full of tradition. From Germany to Japan, this tree-ringed pastry is a true classic.

Transcript

00:00It is considered the king of cakes and is traditionally sold and eaten in Germany during the Christmas season – Baumkuchen.

00:07Variations of it exist in different places across Europe and no one can say exactly where the first recipe originated.

00:14The first recipe in German dates back to the 15th century.

00:18This bakery has been baking it the same way for 200 years.

00:22First, egg whites are separated from their yolks.

00:25The dough then starts with butter and the yolks.

00:28Then, wheat flour and a secret spice are added.

00:30Finally, the beaten egg whites and sugar are put in the mix to give it that airy texture.

00:35The magic happens when the dough is baked layer by layer on a rotating wooden spit over an open flame.

00:41It takes about 20 minutes.

00:43Once cooled, it's finished with a chocolate or sugar glaze.

00:46Baumkuchen means tree cake because its layers look like the rings of a tree.

00:50It takes skill and time to create and that's why the Baumkuchen is also known as the king of cakes.

00:56In 1919, German pastry chef Karl Juchheim introduced Baumkuchen to Japan,

01:02where it has since become a symbol of luck for weddings and birthdays.

01:05Today, it's so popular there that there's even a national Baumkuchen day.

01:10Have you tried the king of cakes?

01:12Have you tried the king of cakes?

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