“Coffee and cake” traditions
These magic three words make every connoisseur's heart beat faster: Coffee and cake. It doesn't always have to be homemade cake and filtered coffee brewed at home. No matter the interpretation of coffee and cake that you decide on: This custom is typically German - and a wonderful small timeout from everyday life.
A piece of culture for relaxing
Even our grandparents appreciated the tradition of coffee and cake. It is not known how long the custom has existed in the form we know. One thing that is certain is that coffee came to Europe in the early 1600s. A little later, coffee houses were opened up - first in Italy, and then in other countries. The first coffee house in Germany was opened in Bremen in 1673.
The coffee houses quickly began to serve the slightly bitter hot drink with sweet dishes. People were so excited by this combination that they served coffee and a sweet titbits as a snack at home.
When baking soda and baking powder became available to everyone in the 19th century, people were able to cook delicious cake in their kitchens at home.
Even our grandparents appreciated the tradition of coffee and cake. It is not known how long the custom has existed in the form we know. One thing that is certain is that coffee came to Europe in the early 1600s. A little later, coffee houses were opened up - first in Italy, and then in other countries. The first coffee house in Germany was opened in Bremen in 1673.
The coffee houses quickly began to serve the slightly bitter hot drink with sweet dishes. People were so excited by this combination that they served coffee and a sweet titbits as a snack at home.
When baking soda and baking powder became available to everyone in the 19th century, people were able to cook delicious cake in their kitchens at home.
Sunday was the traditional day for coffee and cake: The whole family came together on this day off and enjoyed a piece of quality of life. In the morning, people went to mass and afterwards took a Sunday walk. In the afternoon, the table was festively set, cake was taken out of the oven and the coffee table was opened up.
Today, coffee and cake is a fixed component of German coffee culture. There isn't just coffee and cake on Sundays any more, but rather on many other occasions. On weekdays, it is enjoyed after lunch or in the later afternoon. It is crucial as a refreshment after a hike at inns and excursion restaurants. At home, it is set up as a social coffee party where you can have stimulating conversations. The coffee party, also called a coffee klatsch, is one of the most popular versions of this tradition today.
Sunday was the traditional day for coffee and cake: The whole family came together on this day off and enjoyed a piece of quality of life. In the morning, people went to mass and afterwards took a Sunday walk. In the afternoon, the table was festively set, cake was taken out of the oven and the coffee table was opened up.
Today, coffee and cake is a fixed component of German coffee culture. There isn't just coffee and cake on Sundays any more, but rather on many other occasions. On weekdays, it is enjoyed after lunch or in the later afternoon. It is crucial as a refreshment after a hike at inns and excursion restaurants. At home, it is set up as a social coffee party where you can have stimulating conversations. The coffee party, also called a coffee klatsch, is one of the most popular versions of this tradition today.
Coffee klatsch: popular types of cake
Types of cake that come from the region are often chosen for coffee klatsch. A lot of cakes reveal their origins with their names - such as the Frankfurter Kranz [crown cake] or the Black Forest gateau. The classic cake types that belong with coffee klatsch:
Cheesecake: The oldest cheesecake recipes come from France and are over 600 years old. The cake with curd or cream cheese is also a classic in Germany and today is one of the most popular types of cake.
Apple tart: This fruit tart is baked with sour apples and is represented in many regional variants - such as the Alsatian apple tart, Styrian apple cake or apple tart. This is the generic term for all baked goods containing apple as the main ingredient.
Bee sting cake: Bee sting cake is a German classic. It consists of yeast dough, is filled with cream and topped with baked-on caramelized almonds.
According to legend, the bee sting cake comes from Linz on the Rhine. The Linz people are to have won a dispute with the neighboring town of Andernach by throwing bees nests. To celebrate, according to legend, they baked a cake and called it the bee sting cake.
Cherry cake: Cherry cake exists in many versions - the cherry cake topped with pitted sour cherries is especially popular. As long as the main ingredient is characterized by the taste of cherries, it can be called a cherry cake.
Marble cake: This pound cake has been known since the 17th century and was particularly widespread in Austria. The multi-colored pattern, which results from mixing cocoa, gives the cake its name. It is traditionally baked in a Bundt, wreath or loaf pans, which gives it its characteristic shape.
Plum cake: The term “plum cake” can be found in dictionaries as early as the 1600s. In the classic version, this sheet cake consists of a yeast dough. In some versions, however, it is also made of shortcrust or cake batter.
Crumb cake: Crumb cake was particularly popular in Saxony and Silesia - today it is eaten around the world. The sheet cake can be made plain or filled with fruit. The typical crumble topping is made from a mixture of sugar, butter and flour.
Chocolate cake: There are countless recipes for chocolate cake: There is no generally valid specification. Any chocolate-flavored cake can be called a chocolate cake. Whether a pound cake or Herrentorte [cake for gentlemen] with chocolate cream - chocolate cake is a favorite cake in Germany.
But of course you can also try a modern version:
Enjoy coffee and cake with an international flair with airy American muffins,
imaginative English cupcakes or delicious Italian tiramisu!
Bake to your heart’s content with Clever Baking from Villeroy & Boch.
Coffee klatsch: popular types of coffee
For a lot of people, filtered coffee is an unmatched classic for coffee klatsch: Its incomparable aroma spreads throughout the whole house, attracting everyone to the coffee table. But today we can choose from a number of different coffee specialties. The most popular types of coffee in Germany are:
Coffee with milk: Coffee with milk is particularly mild: It consists of one-third or one-half milk. At the same time, this type of coffee does not contain any espresso or milk froth. This is most often served in a large coffee cup.
Espresso: This little wake-up call comes from Italy and has an intense flavor. It is usually enjoyed black. In summer, the iced espresso is ideal. The high pressure when making espresso gives it its characteristic nutty brown color.
Mocha: This coffee variant comes from the Arabic world. The special flavor is achieved through a particularly fine coffee powder and double boiling. The mocha is often refined with spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Latte macchiato: The latte macchiato is made from milk and coffee from dark roasted beans. The clear separation of both layers in the latte macchiato glass is typical. To do this, the milk should never be hotter than the coffee itself when adding it.
Cappuccino: This creamy coffee specialty is made from foamed hot milk and espresso and has a milk froth topping. The milk ratio here is ⅓ espresso with ⅓ milk froth and ⅓ milk.
Flavored coffee: Delicious coffee with a subtle touch of hazelnut, vanilla or caramel - coffee syrup offers a whole new world of diversity. It is a trend that is also very popular here in Germany. MetroChic blanc coffee cup with saucer
The coffee and cake tradition today
The custom of coffee and cake combines classic coffee culture with modern enjoyment. Coffee klatsch is the symbol of enjoyable lifestyle that is made in Germany - and everyone can shape their own custom: with their families at the coffee table, with their best friends at the café, on a picnic outdoors or as a very private time-out.
Celebrate this wonderful custom - and discover your desire for coffee parties!