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Tree Cake

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Tree Cake, also known as Baumkuchen, is a stunning European layered cake with golden rings that resemble tree rings. This homemade oven-baked version is rich, buttery, and lightly sweet, with each layer baked individually for its signature look. Perfect for celebrations, this impressive dessert can be finished with apricot jam or chocolate for extra elegance.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30–40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Layered baking
  • Cuisine: European / German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond/rum extract variation)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Optional: dark chocolate or apricot jam for coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract. Sift in flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Add milk to slightly loosen the batter.
  4. Spread a thin layer of batter onto the pan and bake for 3–5 minutes until golden.
  5. Continue layering batter and baking each layer until all batter is used.
  6. Let cake cool completely. Brush with warm apricot jam or coat with melted chocolate, if desired.

Notes

  • For a flavor twist, substitute vanilla with almond extract or rum.
  • Add jam between every few layers for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Glaze with chocolate ganache and sprinkle with nuts or powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/tree-cake/