Baumkuchen refers to one of the many traditional cakes from Germany, a German Tree Cake. It is a layered cake coated with chocolates . Baumkuchen is literally translated as "Tree Cake" (Baum = Tree and Kuchen = Cake)
Baumkuchen has a characteristic concentric rings that appear when sliced which resemble tree rings that give the cake its German name.
The origins of Baumkuchen which is known in Germany as the "King of Cakes"can be traced back into the distant past, from the 15th century and lingered in Europe until the 20the century.
Baumkuchen is also well known in Japan as it is in Germany. In Japan, it is known as "the Ultimate Wedding Cake". The first German confectionaer to bake Baumkuchen in Japan was Karl Juchheim who was captured by the Japanese during Worl War I in China. The Juchheim company is very famous in Japan and their Baumkuchen is usually used for presents or souvenirs given for the guests at wedding receptions.
Enjoy the pictures below of Baumkuchen I always buy in Germany during the Christmas season.
