12 Irresistible German Desserts

German desserts tantalize the senses with their comforting textures and familiar flavors. Discover a dozen German sweet treats that you won't be able to resit.

Black Forest Cake in GermanyPhoto by2foodtrippers

1. Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)

No fairy tale villain, black forest cake channels good over evil with intensely chocolate cake, fresh cherries, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The addition of kirsch (cherry liqueur) is the literal cherry on top of this Geman food favorite.

2. Apfelstrudel (Apple Streudel)

Apfelstrudel is an Austrian dessert that feels like it should be a German dessert. We're apparently not alone with this feeling since apfelstrudel is popular all over Germany but especially in Bavaria. This popularity qualifies this position as a top German dessert even though apfelstrudel is popular in Austrian cities like Vienna too.

3. Bienenstich Kuchen (Bee Sting Cake)

Bienenstich kuchen has a honey-almond topping which may be the reason for its odd name. Or the tasty cake may have gotten its name from legendary 15th century bakers who allegedly used beehives as weapons. Either way, the cream-filled yeast layer cake is a tasty treat that Germans love to eat in small cities and in Berlin too.

4. Spaghettieis (Spaghetti Ice Cream Sundae)

Resembling a plate of spaghetti but tasting like an ice cream sundae, this dessert is both wonderfully weird and weirdly wonderful. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular desserts in Germany.

5. Streuselkuchen (Crumb Cake)

Streuselkuchen translates to crumb cake, but don't confuse it with the Entenmann’s version that many Americans grew up eating. Germany's version is way better. German bakers typically fill streuselkuchen with fruits like apples and sour cherries. The buttery cake pairs well with coffee - hence why it's sometimes referred to as coffee cake.

6. Franzbrotchen

The franzbrötchen is a must eat in its home city of Hamburg. The sweet pastry makes a great little breakfast or afternoon treat. It's even better when paired with coffee.

7. Knödel (Dumplings)

German knödel can be either sweet or savory. We like to eat them both ways. We especially liked eating the sweet version with roasted plum, vanilla sauce and sliced almonds. We literally scraped the plate clean - the dessert was that good.

8. Lebkuchen (Gingerbread)

Despite its kitschy appearance and similarity to gingerbread, Germany's lebkuchen is a traditional German treat that dates back to the 13th century when monks first baked them. Baking is no longer a necessity as modern Germans can buy heart-shaped lebkuchen at Christmas markets as well as at Oktoberfest and other festivals.

9. Krapfen (Donuts)

Similar to other donuts eaten around the world, krapfen are yeasty pastries filled with jam, fried in oil and sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can eat one for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon snac

10. Kaiserschmarrn (Shredded Pancakes)

While most countries eat pancakes for breakfast or lunch, Germans shred puffy pancakes, caramelize them and serve the resulting 'mess' for dessert. They also add extra bits like raisins and powdered sugar as well as sides like applesauce and jam.

11. Stollen

Stollen's history dates back to the 16th century when it was more of savory bread than a dessert. It quickly became popular in German cities like Dresden, a town famous for hosting Europe's oldest Christmas market as well as an annual stollen festival in December.

12. Süßigkeiten (Candy)

Many people don't realize that Germany is a candy country, rivaling countries like Switzerland and Italy in terms of its candy selection. We don't say this lightly since we're candy fans who often buy chocolate bars and fruity confections both at home and when we travel.

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