Baumkuchen
A German layered cake made by brushing thin coats of batter onto a rotating spit and browning each one, so slices show rings like a tree trunk.
- Cakes, cookies, pastries and baked goods
- Germany
Baumkuchen means tree cake. A rich batter of butter, eggs, sugar, flour and often marzipan is brushed in a thin layer onto a turning cylinder in front of a heat source. When it browns, another layer is added, and the process is repeated 15 to 20 times or more. The finished cake is often glazed with chocolate or sugar icing.
It takes skill and special equipment and is made by professional bakers. Baumkuchen is especially popular in Japan, where it is a common gift. Home versions bake thin layers one at a time under a broiler.
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Sources
Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
- Legal Layers of Delight - The Origins of German "Tree Cake", Library of Congress (In Custodia Legis blog)