baumkuchen [baum ku ken] noun
Literally “tree cake.” A German specialty often made at Christmastime with thin layers of cake mimicking the rings of a tree. Sometimes referred to as the “king of cakes,” baumkuchen is only made at specialty bakeries as it requires special equipment and skills. A rotating spit is coated with thin layers of batter, and as that layer bakes and sets, another layer is painted on. This continues until the size is built up and many layers are created, usually at least around 20.
Bakepedia Tips
The cake has become popular in Japan. Mimi Sheraton wrote about the famous cake in aNew Yorker article.
No comments yet.