Taste the Best of Traditional German Desserts

The diversity of German cuisine is what leaves one bedazzled! Similarly, the desserts are what take you in awe! The wide variety of desserts leaves you with an urge to learn more! And if that is the reason then you have come to the right place. From cakes, pastries to cookies, the options are simply endless. We cannot forget the cream-based dishes, chocolate, candies, and so on.

Origin of German desserts- if you have ever been to Germany, then you must have noticed the popularity of ice cream in this region! However, you will be surprised to find out that ice cream did not reach Germany before the 1920s. Not until the Italian immigrants began to open ice cream parlours in Germany, that the Germans got introduced to ice cream. And soon this tradition spread to other parts of Germany as well! Now, in the present time, every small town in Germany has its own small Italian ice cream parlor. If you are well versed with the desserts of Germany, then you will be aware of the dessert wine, Eiswein or Trockenbeerenauslese, which is served after the meal. Light liquor may be served to those who do not prefer sweet wine.

Pastries have been the best part of German cuisine

Well, the Germans have worked to earn themselves, the title of making the best pastries in the world. In 1963, Heinz Weichardt devised a method to make a pastry recipe and that turned out to be quite fine. Adorned with whipped cream and chocolate, he was trying to make a move on a beautiful girl walking across the street and finally gathered the wit to offer her this pastry. Soon what began as a pastry exchange, turned into a wedding and the young couple opened the first organic bakery in the town. Forty years later, this is still a very popular and thriving business in Germany.

The striking part of German baking is how traditional it is and dates back to a time when desserts were only thriving slowly.

The German desserts in fact date back to the pagan time, when women would offer their hair to the deceased and it was laid down in the coffin. Soon later, yeasted, braided sweet bread replaced the actual hair. The bread was often used during times of sorrow and joy!

We almost forgot to mention gingerbread which is the showstopper of the German desserts. Invented by Franconian monks in the 13th century, gingerbread is composed of spiced cookies baked with relatively little fat. This was a religious offering at first with stamped pictures of some religious significance. German baking focuses on creating treats with wheat flour, yeast, and minimal fat. Hence it could be concluded that Germans believe in rather rustic preparation. Their pastries are often studded with fresh or dried fruits, poppy seeds, spices, whole nuts, nut paste, and so on.

What is observed as indulgence in America, is a proper part of the diet in Germany.

Now that is a lot about the origin of German desserts! Let's find out some of the tips that you should keep in mind while making them!

Tips to make your desserts more wholesome and yummy

If you are trying to make something unique and healthy for desserts then here are some tips that you should learn!

1. Make sure that you use whole-grain flour which is nutrient-dense- refined flours are often not great if you are opting for a healthy version of desserts. If you are planning to use all-purpose flour then it is time for you to replace it with nutrient-dense alternatives. These include whole wheat flour, oat flour, almond flour, and so on! Enriched in iron and proteins, these are wonderful to make your desserts healthy and tasty at the same time.

If you are making use of these nutrient-dense options then go ahead and mix almond flour with wheat flour in the ratio 1:1. If you are opting for oat flour then 1 ⅓ cup of oat flour for every cup of all-purpose flour is the ratio.

2. You must reduce the sugar content in the dessert- there are several reasons why we add sugar to a dessert apart from making them sweet. These include holding moisture intact, browning, and increasing tenderness. In such desserts where one needs sugar only as a sweetening agent, there is no harm in reducing its content somewhat. In desserts like custard, pies, and bread, it is possible for one to reduce the sugar content by 25-33% without affecting the taste adversely. This is highly beneficial for dieters who are strictly advised to consume less of these sweetening agents but wish to still consume desserts!

3. Adding some chocolate is not a bad option- if you like chocolates, then you will be actually happy to learn that chocolates have numerous benefits and hence they are great to be added to the desserts you plan to make! Chocolate is rich in antioxidants and contains essential minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium as well. Hence unsweetened cocoa powder or dark chocolate is preferred for making desserts and is prescribed by experts too.

4. Add some moisture along with nutrient-rich ingredients- if the recipe calls for you to use butter as an ingredient then this is time for you to replace it with olive oil. Greek yogurt or applesauce are other amazing options that one can put to use. These are the alternatives that are lower in saturated fat and a great substitute for butter. Rich in unsaturated fat, this is a reminder for you to replace all the butter in every dessert recipe that you are about to make. Olive oil or canola oil adds healthy fat to desserts and sweet dishes which one can consume guilt-free. You can also opt for canned pumpkin puree. Since yogurt also adds moisture to desserts, it is a wonderful alternative that one can use next time.

5. Then you need to make fruits the showstopper- desserts made with fruits are considered healthy because of all the vitamins and minerals it is enriched in. It is naturally sweet and hence you do not even need to add sugar to the dessert recipe separately. There are fibers as well. So it is only fair that you use fruits in your sundaes and fondues! Begin your breakfast with a bowl of oats crisp and top it with fruits too.

Now let us find out about some traditional German desserts, shall we?

Wonderful German desserts to try out this season

1. Streuselkuchen ( Classic German crumb cake)

Well, if you are looking for something more authentic and comforting after the meal, then you have to try the Streuselkuchen which is a crumb cake created by German cuisine.

2. The German desserts

For the peach kuchen with Apple streusel, you will find all the recipes right here. Delectable and yummy, this is indeed a wonderful idea for one to cherish! If you are fond of desserts then there is no way you will be able to turn away from these options.

3. German Baumkuchen

The layered classic German cake is another wonderful option which we are sure you will be fascinated with! The rich layers of chocolate are what make it super tempting and so difficult for one to resist. Shall we try it then?

4. German blueberry cake

The streusel top Blueberry cake is another exotic option to introduce at parties and events. The gooey filling of berries will render you with a sense of content in every bite! What a perfect way to end your meal!

5. Authentic Bienenstich Kuchen( German Bee Sting Cake Recipe)

Indeed it is an intriguing name we have to admit! But it is the taste of the recipe which will leave you completely swayed off your feet! You do not have to believe in our words! Try and find out on your own.

6. German Krapfen Berliner doughnuts

The German version of doughnuts is simply the winner of all hearts! The presence of zesty lemon makes it even more irresistible and a wonderful creation indeed. Do give it a try for sure if you wish to try out the traditional German desserts.

7. German cream cheesecake( kaesesahnetorte)

Here is a simply irresistible idea of desserts that we are sure you will definitely fall in love with! This is rather a very popular cake in Germany and for better reasons. Try it out for sure!

8. How to make Blackberry forest cake

This sponge cake of German origin topped with blackberries is delectable and topped with whipped cream. Adorned with chocolate shavings, this is an excellent idea for one to relish in every bite. Shall we try it then?

9. The German butter cake

Drizzled with butter crunch and almond slices, the German butter cake, the idea of a cake whipped with heavy cream and butter simply tastes out of the world. This is an authentic recipe that can make your dinner culminate in a wonderful way!

10. German apple fritters

The marvelous and crunchy German apple fritters are absolutely lovely! Super addictive and rich in taste, the apple fritters are very easy to make and perfect to munch on any time of the day when you crave something sweet and delectable!

11. German Orange poppy sheet cake with plum butter

Brought together in a minute, the German Orange poppy sheet cake with plum butter although sounds like an elaborate arrangement, it is very easy to make within a jiffy! So if you have a bunch of unexpected guests at your house, then the Orange poppy sheet cake is what you need for desserts!

12. German cherry pie with vanilla custard

Prepared with a creamy vanilla filling and adorned with cherries, the crusty pies are lovely to enjoy as a traditional German dessert! The vanilla essence is wonderful and melts in your mouth with every bite.

13. Puddingbrezel_ a classic German pastry

The Danish butter filling with a crunchy exterior, the German pastry is a classic option that your guests shall appreciate with tea in the evening. In fact, you will be compelled to make more!

14. Linzer cookies

The sugar-dusted Linzer cookies are simply lovely! Loaded with blueberry jam and jelly oozing into your mouth at every bite, the idea is splendid to surprise the kids during the holidays! Don't be surprised if the jar is rendered empty in a day!

15. Strueseltaler_ German pastry

Well, you can simply not run out of options when it comes to German desserts! The recipe for Strueseltaler is right here to one's delight! This is an amazing German pastry idea that melts in your mouth at the very first bite to create an everlasting impact.

16. German plum cake( Pflaumenkuchen)

The recipe for a plum cake with rich icing and a crumbly top will leave you with a sense of ultimate food orgasm. Calling it fabulous will just be an understatement so it is better you go ahead and try it out on your own.

17. Pfeffernusse German spice cookie recipe

Crumbly and marinated in sugar dust, the recipe of the Pfeffernusse is right here so you can enjoy something delightful with tea in the evening. Spiced up with the warm season, do give it a try for sure.

18. German spitzbuben cookies with black forest jam

The heart-shaped cookies taste and look simply so gorgeous that you will find it impossible to resist the urge of consuming more and more. The black forest jam is beyond words description.

19. German butter cake

The light and flaky German butter cake is loaded with a smooth essence and marvelous blissful taste that one can hardly hold their temptations for! Words are not enough to describe its excellence so give it a try for yourself.

20. German Marzipan cookies( Hausfreundel)

Topped with a smooth layer of liquid chocolate and caramelized cashew crumbs, the German Marzipan cookies are simply so divine in taste! The kids will be delighted to be presented with this one during the holidays!

Frequently asked questions associated with making German traditional desserts

1. How can you make your desserts even more attractive?

Desserts can be made even more attractive with color and shapes! Try to make sweet dishes in myriad shapes adorned with vibrant icing and rich creamy toppings and see how quickly they vanish from the table.

2. What are the three characteristics of a dessert?

The texture, taste, and appearance of every dessert should be top-notched in order for them to be consumed faster. Nobody at the party or any event will frankly be compelled to try out something unappealing at first sight. So you should work on these three parameters to make your desserts the best.

3. What is the most popular dessert in Germany?

The Apfelstrudel is regarded as the most amazing dessert in Germany! Adorned with vanilla and whipped cream, you should definitely try it out if you are in the mood for a traditional German sweet dish.

4. What is the dessert culture in Germany?

Apart from the gorgeous delicacies presented by Germany, the myriad forms of desserts are what Germans flaunt. Popular desserts, like pastries, cookies, chocolate, and candies make one crave more and more of the same.

5. What is the national cake of Germany?

Gugelhupf is regarded as the national cake of Germany! It has a hole in the center due to the specialized pan in which it is made. So if you are organizing an event and wish to make a German dessert, do make Gugelhupf for sure.

Bottom Line- Well that is a lot of discussion about German desserts! Let's not spend a moment more in discussion and get started with the preparations already! Germans flaunt their desserts for a specific reason and you will soon find out why! Let's go!