Savor the taste of tradition with these authentic German dessert recipes. From spritz cookies to strudels, these treats taste just like grandma’s.

31 German Dessert Recipes from Oma’s Kitchen

Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
Chocolate Lebkuchen
Bee Sting Cake
Linzer Cookies
Black Forest Cake
Sachertorte
Apple Strudel
German Plum Tart
Dipped Gingersnaps
Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Apple Bavarian Torte
Oma's Marzipan Stollen
Hazelnut-Almond Zimtsterne
Black Forest Chocolate Torte
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Tillie's Ginger Crumb Cake
Almond Spritz Cookies
Almond-Filled Stollen
Lebkuchen
Kuchen
German Apple Cake
Buttery Spritz Cookies
German Spice Cookies
Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart
Zimtsterne
German Christmas Cookies
German Chocolate Pie
Black Forest Cheesecake
Linzer Torte
Schaum Torte
German Desserts FAQ
What are some of the most popular traditional German desserts?
Some of the most popular German desserts include cakes like black forest cake and bee sting cake, pastries like apple strudel, and cookies like lebkuchen and zimtsterne. These desserts are popular for their deep connection to regional traditions and are often tied to seasonal celebrations like Christmas and Easter. Many of them are also enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee throughout the year.
What is a typical Oktoberfest dessert?
Typical Oktoberfest desserts include bee sting cake, rote grütze, black forest cake and apfelstrudel—rich, flavorful and comforting options often served in beer tents and German households during the fall festival. Oktoberfest, held from mid-September through early October, is known for its hearty food, beer and music. If you’re planning your own Oktoberfest celebration, pair these desserts with other Oktoberfest recipes, like soft pretzels, currywurst, obatzda and bratwurst, for a well-rounded spread.
How is German cheesecake different from American cheesecake?
German cheesecake (aka käsekuchen) is typically made with quark, a creamy, soft cheese that’s slightly tangier and less sweet than American cream cheese. This gives it a lighter and airier texture than the velvety, somewhat dense texture of American cheesecakes. Another difference is that American cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust, while German cheesecake typically features a shortcrust base (or no crust at all).