21 Authentic German Desserts (w/ Recipes) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

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Here Are Some German Dessert Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!

When you think of German food, what comes to your mind first? Hearty meat dishes and savory side dishes? Or sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and pastries?

If you were thinking of the latter (the sweeter side of life), then this post is for you! There is no shortage of sweet desserts that are eaten all over Germany.

From Franzbrötchen in the north (Hamburg) to Dampfnudeln in the south, you’ll find some German dessert recipes that are more regional – while others are enjoyed everywhere!

You’ll also find festive favorites like Stollen, a fruit bread for Christmas, and Berliner, jelly-filled donuts for Carnival.

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Here is a collection of some of our favorite recipes for German desserts that you can make at home. With a few popular recipes – and a few lesser-known – you might even rediscover one that you remember from years ago!

This post is about more general German desserts. If you are looking for more specific types of sweet recipes, check out our other German recipe roundups:

  • Classic German Christmas Cookies
  • Authentic German Cake Recipes
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Bavarian Cream

We love Bavarian Cream because it looks fancy, but it's actually fairly easy to make. Oh, and it tastes great, too. The creamy, light, and sweet consistency goes really well with the berry puree on top!

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Dampfnudeln (German Yeast Dumplings)

Dampfnudeln are a traditional German dessert that consists of yeast dough dumplings that are cooked in a steamy pot. Popular in the south of the country, they are soft and airy on the top and crispy on the bottom. You can serve them with a savory or sweet sauce, such as vanilla sauce, and enjoy them as a filling and satisfying treat.

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Rote Grütze (Red Berry Dessert)

Rote Grütze is a simple and delightful dessert that features a variety of mixed berries (often raspberries). This red berry pudding is a traditional treat in Germany and Denmark, where it is often enjoyed with unwhipped cream, but it also tastes delicious with vanilla sauce. Rote Grütze is easy to make with fresh or frozen berries and has a wonderful color and sweetness.

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Krapfen (German Jelly Donuts)

If you have a sweet tooth and love donuts, you should try Krapfen. They are a traditional German dessert that consists of yeast dough balls that are filled with jam and fried in oil. They are also known as Berliner or German Jelly-Filled Donuts and are often eaten during Carnival. Krapfen are soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy and sugary on the outside.

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German Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Zimtsterne are traditional German cookies that are shaped like stars and flavored with cinnamon. They are made with almond flour, so they don’t contain any gluten. These cinnamon stars have a chewy texture and a shiny glaze that make them irresistible. They are a classic German Christmas cookie that you'll find on many festive dessert plates across the country.

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German Cheesecake (Käsekuchen)

If you want to try a classic and authentic German dessert, you should make this German cheesecake recipe. It is known as Käsekuchen in German and is made with quark, a fresh and creamy cheese that gives the cheesecake a light and fluffy texture. The cheesecake also has a touch of lemon zest that adds a refreshing flavor. The crust is simple and crispy, and complements the cheesecake perfectly – you won't regret making it.

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German Plum Cake (Pflaumenkuchen)

German Plum Cake – known as Pflaumenkuchen or Zwetschgenkuchen – is a classic German cake that is easy to make. Made with fresh plums and a classic yeast dough, this cake is sweet and tarty… and topped with delicious streusel crumbles!

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Kaiserschmarrn (Austrian Pancakes)

Sweet and doughy, Kaiserschmarrn (literally "Emperor's Mess") is a delicious dessert that is so easy to prepare. Originally from Austria, it is also a popular dessert in the south of Germany. Made with a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar, this messy-looking pancake is best served with sweet plum jam, apple sauce, or powdered sugar!

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Apfelküchle (German Fried Apple Rings)

If you love apples and fried desserts, you will enjoy Apfelküchle – also known as German Fried Apple Rings or Apple Fritters. They are made with apple slices that are dipped in a batter and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Then they are coated with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar that adds a wonderful flavor and aroma.

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Nussecken

Sweet and nutty, these Nussecken – German nut bars – are the perfect handheld dessert. Made with chopped nuts and jam on a flakey crust, these "nut corners" are dipped in melted chocolate for a little something extra!

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Streuselkuchen (Classic German Crumb Cake)

Streuselkuchen, also known as crumb cake or streusel cake, is a classic German yeast cake. Soft on the inside and topped with a generous layer of sweet and crumbly butter streusel, it's the perfect cake to go with coffee or tea!

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German Gingerbread Cookies (Lebkuchen)

These German gingerbread cookies – called Elisenlebkuchen – are a classic German holiday cookie. Made with lots of nuts, gingerbread spice, and candied citrus, this cookie is soft and chewy yet perfectly sweet and nutty. Dip Lebkuchen in a simple icing or chocolate for the perfect sweet finish!

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Milchreis (German Rice Pudding)

Milchreis – or German Rice Pudding – is a delicious, creamy dish. A classic German dish, it can be eaten as a main course or dessert. This simple rice pudding is typically served with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar or some fruit, such as fresh berries or canned fruit salad!

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Homemade Vanilla Pudding

This homemade vanilla pudding is a classic, easy dessert recipe. A staple in Lisa's German family, it can be made in minutes with just a few ingredients. This vanilla pudding is rich and flavorful – perfect for serving as a dessert for guests or just for yourself!

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German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

With a hint of sweet and delicious crumble on top, this German Apple Cake is the perfect fall dessert. It is made with a moist and tender cake base that is filled with sliced apples and spiced with cinnamon. It is then topped with crunchy and buttery streusel that add a lovely contrast and sweetness. This cake can look a bit fancy, but it is actually really easy to make.

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German Franzbrötchen

A German take on a classic cinnamon bun, Franzbrötchen is a delicious baked good from the northern city of Hamburg. It is made with a simple yeast dough that is filled with butter, sugar, and cinnamon and then rolled and cut into pieces. The pieces are then flattened and baked until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack.

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German Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck)

These delicious German Spritz Cookies are a holiday classic! Made with a simple dough, these fun cookies can be made into any shape and are dipped in chocolate for a little extra sweetness. Spritz cookies are perfect for the holiday table and for making with creative kids!

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German Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln)

Sweet and cinnamony, these German candied almonds known as "Gebrannte Mandeln" are a classic sweet treat often found at fairs and festivals. The almonds are coated in a delicious blend of sugar and spices, making them irresistible.

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Ice Cream Coffee (German Eiskaffee)

Eiskaffee is a refreshing and delicious dessert/drink that is perfect for a warm summer day. It is made with chilled coffee and vanilla ice cream, creating a creamy and smooth combination. It is not just “iced coffee”, but a special treat that is often served in a tall glass with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top for extra sweetness and indulgence!

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Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel – or Apfelstrudel in German – is a classic Austrian pastry that is also a very popular dessert in the south of Germany. Made with thinly rolled dough packed with sweetened apples and rum-soaked raisins, it tastes delicious with vanilla sauce and/or vanilla ice cream!

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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

It wouldn't be the holidays without authentic German Christmas bread – also known as Stollen. This festive dessert is made with a simple yeast dough that is packed with rum-soaked candied citrus peel, raisins, and nuts. Once baked, the Stollen is then brushed with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar for that signature frosted look.

Get The Stollen Recipe

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FAQs

What is the most famous German dessert? ›

Here are some of the most popular German cakes and desserts: Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): This famous cake consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries soaked in kirsch, a cherry liqueur.

What is the signature dessert of Germany? ›

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is Germany's most famous dessert. It's also known as Black Forrest Cake.

What is a German cake called? ›

Kuchen is the German word for cake, and is used in other languages as the name for several different types of sweet desserts, pastries, and gateaux. Often sold at Christmas fairs and Carnival.

Which dessert is known as King of cakes in Germany? ›

Baumkuchen is a German layered cake that looks like tree rings when cut into. Layers are made by broiling or grilling each layer of batter.

What is the most famous German cake? ›

Black Forest Cake is perhaps Germany's most well-known and most-loved cake. It consists of a chocolate cake with a filling of fresh cream and cherries soaked in Kirschwasser—a clear cherry schnapps—and decorated with cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries.

What is the traditional dessert in Munich? ›

The famous Bavarian cream and Kaiserschmarren, as well as freshly baked Rohrnudeln and Auszognen Krapfen, are among the decadent desserts. Another Bavarian classic is apple strudel, but other strudels and sweet dumpling specialties are also popular desserts.

What is the name of the German fruitcake? ›

German Fruitcake

Stollen: Flattened with a chewy crust, Stollen is often baked more like a traditional loaf of sourdough bread. Stollen also forgoes the usual candied cherries and pineapple in exchange for citrus zest, candied citrus peels, raisins, and almonds.

Which cake did not originate in Germany? ›

German chocolate cake, trimmed with coconut and pecan icing, does not originate from Germany. The rich dessert is credited to a Texas homemaker who sent her recipe to a Dallas newspaper in 1957.

What is a German cake that starts with B? ›

Bienenstich Kuchen – or Bee Sting Cake – is a traditional German dessert comprised of two thin layers of yeast cake with a creamy filling, and a crunchy, buttery, honey-and-almond topping. What is this? The yeast cake balances out the sweetness of the filling and topping.

What is the name of German pudding? ›

Grießbrei (German Semolina Pudding)

What do Germans eat with coffee? ›

When it comes to coffee, Germans have quite a few favorite ways to enjoy it. Generally speaking, most Germans prefer to drink their coffee with milk and/or sugar, rather than black. A popular German tradition is Kaffee und Kuchen, which means coffee and cake.

What is the most iconic German food? ›

Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.

What is German bakery known for? ›

The German Bakery in Pune is a well-known eatery and bakery located in the Koregaon Park neighbourhood of Pune. It has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike for many years. The German Bakery, known for its cozy and inviting ambience and its diverse menu presented to you in Free Verse Style.

What is a rich German cake called? ›

The shortest crossword solution for Rich German cake is 5 letters long and is called TORTE. The longest solution is five letters long and is called TORTE.

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