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

  1. Home
  2. German Cake Recipes
  3. Königskuchen

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

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

This post may contain affiliate links, whichmeans I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extracost to you. Please readfull disclosurefor more information.

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

You might like these

  • Oma's Frankfurter Kranz Recipe – German Crown Cake (Wreath Cake)

    Frankfurter Kranz, aka Frankfurt Crown Cake or German Crown Cake, is a ring-shaped, three-layered cake filled with red jam and delicious German buttercream.

  • German Cream Roll Recipe – Oma's Biskuitrolle

    Oma's Cream Roll recipe, Biskuitrolle, is the German version of a Swiss roll or jelly roll. Filled with whipped cream and studded with berries, this is an easy-to-make treat anytime of the year.

  • Best Pound Cake Recipe – Oma's Sandkuchen *

    My best pound cake recipe (Sandkuchen) is this one. My Oma made it, my Mutti made it, and now I make it! It's so quick and easy to make and tastes SO good!

Follow Oma on Social Media:

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (13)

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Newest Recipes

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (14)

  1. The Best Jagerschnitzel Sauce: Oma's Mushroom Gravy for Jägerschnitzel

    Jagerschnitzel: Rich creamy bacon & mushroom gravy over crispy breaded pork schnitzel (cutlets). HEAVENLY! A traditional German meal that's PERFECT anytime.

    Go to Recipe

  2. How to Make German Schnitzel Recipe: Oma's Classic Schweineschnitzel

    Discover the ultimate German schnitzel recipe with Oma's quick and easy method - perfect for any occasion! Taste the authentic flavors of Germany today.

    Go to Recipe

  3. Oma's Favorite Finds offer a range of Oma’s favorite German-inspired must-have items that make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable, yummy, and efficient.

    Go to Recipe

* * * * *

PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Oma's Königskuchen: German King's Cake (Fruit Cake) Recipe (20)

Königskuchen (German fruit cake) made Just like Oma



By Oma Gerhild Fulson


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


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)

Top of Königskuchen

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.

How to make Mary Berry's fruit cake? ›

Put the flour, grated nutmeg, mixed spice, butter, sugar, eggs, chopped almonds, black treacle and the citrus zest into a large bowl and beat well to mix thoroughly. Fold in the soaked fruits. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and spread out evenly with the back of a spoon.

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 king's cake in Germany? ›

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

What do Germans call cake? ›

Learn the origins of this traditional German dessert and how to make it! Kuchen (pronounced “koo-ken”) is the German word for “cake,” but a real kuchen is so much more than that!

Do you have to soak fruit for a fruit cake? ›

Most recipes call for dried fruit to be soaked overnight. I take a speedy approach: just microwave the dried fruit with juice and/or brandy, then stand for 1 hour to soak up the liquid. So much faster – and just as effective! Other than that, there's nothing unusual about how this fruit cake is made.

Why is my homemade fruit cake dry? ›

If you have too much flour in a recipe and not enough fat, like butter or oil, your cake is going to be dry and hard. For best results, I would encourage you to use a scale when baking, but if you don't have a scale, then just make sure you're using measuring cups correctly.

Why do fruit cakes crack when baking? ›

If you add too much air to the batter, it will rise nice and tall in the pan, then deflate—and crack—as it cools. Beat the batter on medium speed just until it is smooth and all the ingredients are incorporated. Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature, which will help them combine better.

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!

Why was fruitcake outlawed? ›

Fruitcakes were so rich, they were considered sinful and were outlawed in Europe in the early 18th century. Restrictions eased later in the century.

What does fruitcake mean in slang? ›

Slang. a crazy or eccentric person; nut.

What is Germany's most famous cake? ›

Black Forest Cake is perhaps Germany's most well-known and most-loved cake. It consists of a chocolate cake with a filling of fresh cream and cherries soaked in Kirschwasser—a clear cherry schnapps—and decorated with cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries.

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.

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 German bakery famous for? ›

11 things you're sure to find in a German bakery
  • Brötchen (bread rolls) ...
  • Brezel (soft pretzel) ...
  • Vollkornbrot (whole grain bread) ...
  • Milchbrötchen (milk roll) ...
  • Croissant. ...
  • Käsekuchen (cheese cake) ...
  • Mohnkuchen (poppy seed cake) ...
  • Bienenstich (bee sting)

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.

What is Germany's favorite dessert? ›

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is Germany's most famous dessert. It's also known as Black Forrest Cake. What do German people eat for dessert?

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 5913

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.