Popular German Desserts

German food is not all beer and brats. It is not even Oktoberfest or sauerkraut. German food is as diverse as the country itself. With over twenty different regions within Germany, there is a taste for everyone to enjoy.

This article deals with the sweeter side of German food, their desserts. This article offers traditional German fare that can be easily made and enjoyed by everyone:

Cakes: They come in all shapes and sizes from a simple cheesecake to the ever popular Black Forest Cake - a rich chocolate cake, dripping with cherries and whipped frosting. They even enjoy cakes that include fruit as the outstanding star, such as apple cake. The most popular cake is Bienenstich, also known as "Bee Sting Cake". This cake has a thick rich filling made using honey, cream cheese and yogurt. This light yeast cake is then coated with caramel and almonds. It does take a bit of time, but worth the effort. To find a very good recipe for this wonderful treat, visit www.tasty-german-recipe.com/bee-sting-cake.html. It should be noted that this site also offers other sweet recipes to tempt the cook.

Puddings: The most popular pudding is Rote Grütz or "Red Fruit Pudding". This pudding is made with black and red currents and raspberries. Sometimes the pudding will include strawberries and/or cherries. Then the pudding is slowly cooked in juice and thickened with corn starch. When it is served, either warm or chilled, it is most often served with cream. It can also be served with a vanilla sauce, milk or whipped cream. There are two variations of this dessert; they are Rhabarergrütz which is made with rhubarb as its primary ingredient and Grune Grütz which is made with gooseberries. (Source: www.wikipedia.com)

Fruits and Ice Cream: Fruit in any form and during any season is always a welcome dessert as it is light and cooling. Fruit as dessert can be served anytime from lunch to dinner as well as during tea times. Another popular dessert is ice cream and the most popular way to serve this ever popular treat is as Spaghettieis - a spaghetti sundae. There is no pasta in this dessert. An Italian immigrant in Mannheim, Germany created this treat in the 1960's as has been popular ever since. The dessert is vanilla ice cream that has been pushed through a potato ricer to form "pasta" and topped with strawberry sauce and sprinkled with shaved white chocolate to complete the illusion. To find a simple recipe for the entire treat, visit www.germanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/spaghettieis.htm.

So even if you are planning a party that involves beer and brats, add one of these German desserts to make your next get together more memorable.