The Most Popular Dessert in Germany, Ranked

Choose the dessert you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:35
Choosing the right dessert in Germany can be a delightful yet daunting task, given the rich culinary heritage and the variety of sweet treats on offer. By establishing a live ranking of the most favored desserts, both locals and tourists gain a trustworthy guide to what might suit their sweet cravings the best. This dynamic list is shaped by the votes and preferences of a broad community of dessert lovers, ensuring the rankings reflect current tastes and trends. Participating in this voting process not only guides others to make enjoyable dessert choices but also gives individuals a voice in a larger culinary conversation. Every vote contributes to a clearer picture of dessert popularity, providing valuable insights into regional preferences and seasonal variations. Encouraging active participation helps ensure the ranking remains relevant and up-to-date, offering a reliable resource for anyone looking to indulge in Germany’s favorite desserts.

What Is the Most Popular Dessert in Germany?

  1. 1
    70
    votes
    Black Forest Cake is a layered chocolate cake with cherries, whipped cream, and Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) syrup. It is named after the Black Forest region in Germany and is one of the most famous German desserts.
    The Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is a beloved German dessert that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. It is a decadent layer cake made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries. The cake is traditionally soaked in cherry brandy, known as Kirschwasser, which gives it a rich flavor. It is often garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, adding to its appeal. The Black Forest Cake is known for its indulgent taste and beautiful presentation, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
    • Type: Dessert
    • Country of Origin: Germany
    • Main Ingredients: Chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, cherries, Kirschwasser (cherry brandy)
    • Flavor: Rich chocolate and cherry
    • Texture: Moist and creamy
  2. 2
    54
    votes
    Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
    Burkhard Mücke · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Apple Strudel is a pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and breadcrumbs. It is often served warm with vanilla ice cream or custard.
    Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) is a traditional German dessert consisting of a sweet and flaky pastry filled with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins. The pastry is rolled into a thin and delicate dough, enclosing the flavorful apple filling. Once baked, the Apple Strudel becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside while the apples turn tender and juicy inside.
    • Pastry type: Flaky and thin dough
    • Filling: Sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and possibly raisins
    • Shape: Rolled into a cylindrical shape
    • Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside
    • Serving: Usually served warm
  3. 3
    15
    votes
    Berliner is a jelly-filled doughnut, often dusted with powdered sugar. It is a traditional treat during carnival season.
    The Berliner Pfannkuchen, also known simply as Berliner, is a popular dessert in Germany. It is a sweet, yeast-raised doughnut or pastry that is deep-fried until golden brown. The Berliner is typically round in shape, with a fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. It is usually filled with various sweet fillings, such as jam or cream, and is often topped with powdered sugar.
    • Shape: Round
    • Texture: Fluffy interior, slightly crispy exterior
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Main Ingredient: Yeast-raised dough
    • Fillings: Jam, cream, etc.
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    Stollen is a fruitcake made with dried fruit, nuts, and marzipan. It is typically eaten during the Christmas season.
    Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is filled with various ingredients and heavily dusted with powdered sugar. It is a rich and dense fruitcake-like treat with origins dating back to the 15th century. The dough, made from yeast, flour, butter, sugar, and almonds, is studded with dried fruits such as raisins, candied citrus peel, and often marzipan. The Stollen is then baked until golden brown and finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar. It is typically enjoyed during the Advent season and throughout the Christmas period.
    • Origin: Germany
    • Type: Fruitcake or bread
    • Ingredients: Yeast, flour, butter, sugar, almonds, raisins, citron or candied citrus peel, marzipan
    • Shape: Loaf-like shape with a slight fold in the center
    • Texture: Rich and dense
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    Rote Grütze is a fruit pudding made with red berries and thickened with cornstarch or semolina. It is often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
    Rote Grütze is a traditional German dessert that originated in Northern Germany. It is a sweet, thickened fruit compote made from a combination of red berries such as strawberries, raspberries, red currants, and blackberries. The fruits are cooked together with sugar and a little bit of water or fruit juice until they release their juices and thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Rote Grütze is typically served cold and can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
    • Origin: Northern Germany
    • Ingredients: Red berries (strawberries, raspberries, red currants, blackberries), sugar, water/fruit juice
    • Consistency: Pudding-like
    • Serving: Cold
    • Served with: Whipped cream or vanilla sauce
    Rote Grütze in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Bienenstich is a cake made with a yeast dough and filled with vanilla custard and topped with caramelized almonds. The name translates to "bee sting" and is said to refer to the honey used in the recipe.
    Bienenstich is a traditional German dessert that translates to 'bee sting' in English. It is a yeasted cake filled with a sweet vanilla cream and topped with caramelized almonds. The balance of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and crunchy topping makes it a beloved treat.
    • Cake Base: A yeasted dough made with flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.
    • Cream Filling: A smooth and rich vanilla cream made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
    • Almond Topping: Caramelized sliced almonds that provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
    • Flavor: A combination of sweetness from the filling and slight caramel notes from the almonds.
    • Texture: The cake is soft and pillowy, while the cream filling is velvety. The almond topping adds a delicious crunch.
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy pancake shredded into pieces and served with fruit compote or jam. It is a traditional Austrian and Bavarian dessert.
    Kaiserschmarrn is a popular dessert in Germany, particularly in Austrian cuisine. It is a fluffy, shredded pancake that is typically served with powdered sugar on top. The name 'Kaiserschmarrn' translates to 'emperor's mess' in English, and it is believed to have been created for Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The dish consists of a thick pancake batter that is cooked in a skillet, then torn into small pieces before being caramelized. It is often served with fruit compote, such as apple or plum, and is a beloved treat for both locals and visitors in Germany and Austria.
    • Origin: Austria
    • Main Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, sugar
    • Cooking Method: Pan-fried
    • Texture: Fluffy and shredded
    • Presentation: Sprinkled with powdered sugar
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Eiskaffee is a chilled coffee beverage served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. It is a popular summer drink in Germany.
    Eiskaffee is a popular dessert in Germany, known for its refreshing combination of coffee and ice cream. It is typically served as a drink but can also be enjoyed as a sundae or parfait. The creator of the Eiskaffee is unknown, as it has become a widespread treat enjoyed in various cafes and households across Germany.
    • Ingredients: Coffee, milk, ice cream
    • Preparation: Brewed coffee is chilled and poured over a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. Some variations may include whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or sprinkles as toppings.
    • Presentation: Eiskaffee is usually served in a tall glass or a bowl, with a straw or a long spoon.
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a contrast between the cold ice cream and chilled coffee.
    • Flavor: A harmonious blend of rich coffee and sweet vanilla, providing a perfect balance of flavors.
  9. 9
    20
    votes
    Lebkuchen is a spiced gingerbread cookie often decorated with icing or chocolate. It is a traditional Christmas cookie in Germany.
    Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas baked treat, famous for its spicy and aromatic flavors. It is a type of soft gingerbread that originated in Nuremberg, Germany.
    • Ingredients: Lebkuchen is made from a combination of honey, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg), ground nuts, candied citrus peel, and various other optional additions like almonds or hazelnuts.
    • Shape: Lebkuchen is often shaped into round or rectangular shapes, and some varieties are molded into intricate designs or even printed with festive images.
    • Texture: Lebkuchen has a soft and chewy texture, with a slightly crunchy exterior due to the sugar glaze or chocolate coating that is often applied.
    • Flavors: The flavors of Lebkuchen can vary, but they typically have a warm and spicy taste with hints of honey and citrus.
    • Varieties: There are several different types of Lebkuchen, including Elisenlebkuchen (made with a higher nut content), Oblatenlebkuchen (baked on a thin wafer), and Printen (firmer and darker in color).
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Spätzle is a type of pasta made with flour, eggs, and water. It is often served with cheese or meat and is a traditional dish in the Swabian region of Germany. While not a dessert per se, it is often served as a sweet variation with cinnamon sugar.
    Spätzle is a traditional German pasta dish made from fresh eggs, flour, water, and salt. It is a type of soft egg noodle commonly found in Southern Germany and regions of Austria and Switzerland. The name 'Spätzle' is derived from the German word 'Spaetz,' which means 'little sparrow,' due to their elongated shape resembling a small bird. This beloved dish has been a part of German cuisine for centuries.
    • Shape: Elongated or irregular shape, resembling small noodles
    • Texture: Soft and tender
    • Ingredients: Fresh eggs, flour, water, and salt
    • Preparation Method: The dough is made by mixing eggs, flour, water, and salt together until a smooth batter is formed. The batter is then pressed through a Spätzle grater, colander, or special machine directly into boiling water. The noodles are cooked for a few minutes until they float to the surface, indicating that they are ready.
    • Serving: Can be served as a side dish or main course, often accompanied by savory sauces, cheese, meat, or stew

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Ranking factors for popular dessert

  1. Overall popularity
    Consider the general preference and liking of the dessert among the German population. This can be measured through surveys, ratings, and reviews.
  2. Regional preferences
    Germany has several distinct regions, each with its own culinary traditions, so it is important to take into account different regional favorites.
  3. Seasonal preferences
    Some desserts may be more popular at certain times of the year, such as during holidays or seasonal fruit availability.
  4. Historical significance
    Traditional desserts with cultural or historical significance could be considered more popular among Germans interested in traditional foods.
  5. Frequency of consumption
    The number of times the dessert is consumed or ordered in restaurants, bakeries, and households can be a significant factor in determining its popularity.
  6. Ingredient availability and affordability
    Desserts that use easily available and affordable ingredients might be more popular than those that rely on expensive or hard-to-find components.
  7. Dietary preferences and restrictions
    Consider popularity among various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
  8. Ease of preparation
    Desserts that are easy to prepare and require fewer complex steps may be more popular, as they can be made at home with ease.
  9. Social media influence
    The presence of the dessert on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Pinterest, and food blogs, could increase its popularity among younger generations.
  10. Adaptability and innovation
    Desserts that can be easily adapted or have multiple variations might be more popular, as they cater to a broader range of personal preferences and taste profiles.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dessert in Germany. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dessert is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1917 views
  • 235 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dessert once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dessert is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular dessert in germany

Germany is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and desserts are a prominent part of this legacy. German desserts are deeply ingrained in the country's culture, and locals take pride in their sweet creations. With so many delicious options available, it's no surprise that people often debate about which dessert is the most popular in Germany. From Black Forest cake to apple strudel, Germany boasts a diverse range of desserts that reflect the country's regional diversity. In the north, you'll find sweet pies and tarts, while in the south, you'll be spoiled for choice with creamy puddings and cakes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you're sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds. So, what is the most popular dessert in Germany? Well, that's a tough question to answer. But one thing is for sure, Germans love their desserts, and they're always willing to indulge in something sweet after a hearty meal. So, why not take a look at some of the most beloved German desserts and see which one takes the cake?

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