Baumkuchen The King Of Cakes Recipe

Prepare to be amazed by Baumkuchen, the legendary "King of Cakes"! This incredibly impressive German masterpiece gets its name (which translates to "tree cake") from its stunning layered structure. Imagine thin, golden rings of delicate cake, baked layer upon layer to create a breathtaking visual spectacle. For 200 years, German bakers have perfected this labor of love, resulting in a cake so exquisite, it's often served as a special Christmas treat. Each slice reveals a mesmerizing cross-section, showcasing the distinct layers separated by beautiful golden lines, just like the rings of a tree. Are you ready to conquer this culinary challenge and bake your own piece of history?

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 286.4 kcal
Protein 9g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Baumkuchen The King Of Cakes

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baumkuchen The King Of Cakes

  • Butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • Dark Rum
  • Lemon Zest
  • Salt
  • Almonds
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Apricot Jam
  • Almond Paste
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Chocolate Icing

How to Make Baumkuchen The King Of Cakes

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare your Baumkuchen cylinder: Securely attach parchment paper to a rotating spit or a metal rod, creating a smooth, even surface. You can use a large metal cake decorating turntable if you don't have a dedicated Baumkuchen spit.
  3. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This should take several minutes for maximum volume.
  4. Gently fold in the flour and melted butter. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Using a pastry brush or small spoon, spread a thin layer of batter evenly onto the prepared cylinder.
  6. Rotate the cylinder slowly over the heat until the batter is lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. You'll need practice to get it perfectly even.
  7. Continue adding layers, allowing each layer to set slightly before adding the next. This will create the characteristic rings.
  8. Once all the batter is used, remove the Baumkuchen from the oven and allow to cool completely. This is crucial for ease of slicing and to prevent crumbling.
  9. Once cool, carefully remove the Baumkuchen from the spit or rod. Slice and serve.
  10. Optionally, you can glaze your Baumkuchen with a simple chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

53g

Fat

40g

Carbs

10g