Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (2024)

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Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

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Königskuchen. One of the most of the traditional holiday baking recipes made in Germany. Translated this means "King's Cake."

This is not the Three Kings' Cake that is served in the southern part of Germany bordering Switzerland, but rather a non-yeast raisin and currant-filled fruit cake baked in its own traditional loaf pan.

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (4)

My husband loves this Königskuchen when it's served buttered and covered in black currant jam. Although I usually only make it during the holidays, it's a good cake to serve for a Kaffeeklatsch any time of the year.

This recipe is so traditional, there is even a special baking pan sold for it. I've been fortunate to find one at Winners, here in Canada. You could always order one online, if you really wanted to.

OR, just use two regular loaf pans.

Either way, you'll have a wonderful fruity cake, that's so marvelous to enjoy! Do try it soon!

Königskuchen pans

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (5)

I was so happy when I found these two pans the other day. Not that I really NEEDED them. But, I did WANT them!

Now, my Koenigskuchen looks traditional as well!

There's a similar version for this cake that's been sent in by one of our readers. Helen's Königskuchen uses whole wheat flour (see her changes) and a jar of sour cherries.

Ready to make this Königskuchen?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (8)

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe

One of the most of the traditional holiday baking recipes made in Germany isKönigskuchen, aka "King's Cake." It's a non-yeast raisin and currant-filled fruit cake baked in its own traditional loaf pan.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Bake Time

75 minutes

Total Time

90 minutes

Servings:

Makes 10 - 12 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup + 4 teaspoons (250 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliter) vanilla
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
  • 2¾ cups (358 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup + 3 tablespoons (152 grams) cornstarch
  • 3 teaspoons (12 grams) baking powder
  • ½ cup (120 milliliter) milk
  • 4 tablespoons(60 milliliter) rum
  • ⅓ cup (80 grams) candied peel
  • 1 cup (150 grams) raisins
  • 1 cup (144 grams) dried currants

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)and grease loaf pan (see Hints below)
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
  3. Mix in eggs and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
  5. Add flour mixture, alternately with milk and rum, to the butter/sugar mixture. Mix well. This is a very heavy, sticky dough.
  6. Mix in (I use a large wooden spoon) the candied peel, raisins, and currants.
  7. Spoon dough into pan(s) and bake for 65 to 75 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  8. Let cake cool in pan on rack for about 10 to 15 minutes, before turning out onto rack to cool completely.

Notes/Hints:

  • The traditional Königskuchen baking pan is 4.5x3x10-inch or 4.5x3x12-inch. If you use a regular loaf pan, you will probably have enough batter for two.
  • This recipe is an adaption from my Mutti's recipe. My sister, Helen, has her version of the same recipe.
  • For the above recipe and the picture shown above, I used the 12-inch Königskuchen pan and had a bit of dough left over to make some muffins. If I would have had the smaller pan, I would have made two cakes.
  • If you wish, you can omit the candied peel and vary the amount of raisins and currants to your liking.

* * * * *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

02.16.2021 revision update

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Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (21)

Königskuchen (German fruit cake) made Just like Oma



By Oma Gerhild Fulson


Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (22)


Königskuchen is one of the 100's of traditional holiday baking recipes you'll find here. Make it part of your tradition as well. So WUNDERBAR!


Ingredients: butter,sugar,vanilla,eggs,salt,flour,cornstarch,baking powder,milk,rum,candied peel,raisins,dried currants,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Make every day a SUCCESSFUL day!

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

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Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous German cake? ›

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (known as Black Forest gâteau or Black Forest cake in other parts of the world) is something for which we can never thank the Germans enough.

What is the king's cake in Germany? ›

Baumkuchen is not only the king of cakes but also the cake of kings. In 1843, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia (see photo) visited the town of Salzwedel in Germany, which is famous for Baumkuchen.

What is the difference between American cake and German cake? ›

The selection of premium ingredients combined with recipes which have been perfected in family-owned businesses for generations guarantee the extraordinary flavor of the baked goods. Compared to American cookies and cakes you will find that products from Germany are usually less sweet.

What is the name of the fruit cake in Europe? ›

In Germany, fruitcakes (known as Stollen) don't quite resemble their American counterparts. Fruitcake vs. Stollen: Flattened with a chewy crust, Stollen is often baked more like a traditional loaf of sourdough bread.

What is the name of the Christmas fruit cake? ›

Panettone is a Milanese sweet bread loaf (widely available throughout Italy and in many other countries), served around Christmas, which is traditionally filled with dried and candied fruits, with a bread loaf consistency.

What does it mean if you find the baby in a king cake? ›

When a king cake is served at a Mardi Gras celebration, everyone wants to know who was served the slice with the king cake baby—but what does it mean if you find one? Tradition dictates that finding the baby in your cake symbolizes luck and prosperity. As such, the finder becomes the “king” or “queen” of the evening.

Is king cake a Catholic thing? ›

The history of the king cake came from European and Roman Catholic roots, which made its way into the New Orleans area in the 1870s. In contrast to the French king cakes, which are a flaky puff pastry, the New Orleans style is similar to the Spanish tradition, which is oval-shaped and topped with icing.

What is traditionally hidden inside a king cake? ›

Hidden in its interior, or under a slice, is a small plastic baby. Whoever finds it must either bring the next cake or throw a party, thus sparking an unending round of food and fun. Whether at the workplace, school or home - king cake is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the Mardi Gras season.

What do Germans call cake? ›

Kuchen (pronounced “koo-ken”) is the German word for “cake,” but a real kuchen is so much more than that! Traditional kuchen is like a delicious mash-up of cake and pie, topped with creamy custard.

What is a rich German cake called? ›

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

What is the favorite cake in America? ›

Top 10 Birthday Cakes In America
  • Red Velvet Cake. Let's kick things off with the all-time favorite – Red Velvet Cake. ...
  • Chocolate Fudge Cake. Calling all chocoholics! ...
  • Funfetti Cake. ...
  • Lemon Raspberry Cake. ...
  • Carrot Cake. ...
  • Tiramisu Cake. ...
  • Strawberry Shortcake. ...
  • Black Forest Cake.
Oct 2, 2023

Why was fruitcake outlawed? ›

In The Early 1700s, Fruitcakes Were Outlawed In Europe

Over the centuries, people added increasingly sweeter ingredients to their fruitcakes until the cakes became decadence incarnate, which was morally wrong and thus made illegal.

What do British call fruitcakes? ›

Did you know that the of eating fruitcake around the holidays stemmed from Great Britain? The traditional Christmas dessert isn't at all similar to the candied peel and citron cakes you might think of when “fruitcake” is mentioned. Called Christmas cake or plum cake in Great Britain, the dessert dates to Roman times!

What does fruitcake mean in slang? ›

countable noun. If you refer to someone as a fruitcake, you mean that they are crazy or that their behavior is very strange.

Why is black forest cake popular in Germany? ›

The Black Forest cake has become an iconic symbol of German culinary excellence. It represents the country's rich dessert traditions and showcases the skill and craftsmanship of German pastry chefs. Today, it is a staple in bakeries and dessert menus around the world.

What is German bakery famous for? ›

German Bakery has been famous for its specialized vegetarian menu, featuring raw foods and organic food, since its inception in 1979. Everything served here is prepared fresh to order, including the hummus and tofu!

What is the famous Dresden cake? ›

The Dresdner Christstollen is a piece of cultural history, a centuries-old baking tradition, a prevailing passion and, above all, a delicious treat. For centuries, Dresden's bakers and pastry makers have kept up this tradition, passing it on from generation to generation.

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