History of “Tree Cake”
Otherwise known as “Baumkuchen”, “Sekacz”, or “Raguolis”
What is Baumkuchen?
Baumkuchen is a German variety of spit cake. It is a traditional pastry of many European countries throughout, and also a popular snack and dessert in Japan. The characteristic rings, which resemble tree rings when sliced, give the cake its German name, Baumkuchen, which literally translates to “tree cake”. The origins of Baumkuchen are a matter of controversy. The State of Bavaria claims that Baumkuchen has been created since at least the 19th century in Bavaria. Baumkuchen is one of the most popular pastries in Japan, where it is called baamukūhen (バームクーヘン) or sometimes just keeki (ケーキ). It is a popular return present in Japan for wedding guests because of its typical ring shape. Baumkuchen, translated as a “Tree Cake”, is a many-layered sponge cake baked on a rotating cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, its coated with a thin layer of batter, allowed to bake to a light golden brown, recoated, baked again and so on until 20 or more layers are created. After cooling, its cut off the cylinder in doughnut – shape discs. When like the grow with rings n a tree, hence the name ( and regarding of its name, it is incorrect to speak of “Baumkuchen” cake because the word Baumkuchen literally means “tree cake”. The cake noun is already present. Saying “Baumkuchen cake” is the same as saying “angel food cake” Baumkuchen comes inn two traditional styles: smooth and rough and with grounded almonds or without them.
Other regional variations, the Family of European Spitcakes:
Austria – Baumkuchen is known as Prügelkrapfen
Czech Republic – Popular under the name Trdelnik
France – Gâteau à la Broche
Luxembourg – Baamkuch has become a traditional dish served mostly on special occasions, such as weddings, christenings, etc. Yet, the cake is available all year round in certain supermarkets.
Poland – Known as Sękacz
Lithuania – Šakotis or Raguolis (Bankuchenas as known in western Lithuania, itself word is a loanword from German Baumkuchen) is a similar cake also cooked on a spit, normally over an open fire
Sweden – Spettekaka with the protected geographical indication (PGI) registered by the EU
Hungary – Kürtőskalács is a similar cake also cooked on a spit
Slovakia – Skalický trdelník with the protected geographical indication (PGI) registered by the EU
Turkey – Makara tatlısı is a similar cake also cooked on a spit
What is “Tree Cake” Lithuanian “Sakotis” or “Raguolis”, Polish “Sekacz” (Tree Cake) is a Polish -Lithuanian traditional spit cake. It is a cake made of butter, egg whites and yolks, flour, sugar and cream. Cooked on a rotating spit in an oven or over an open fire. Its name means “branched tree” or “tree with many branches” due to its distinctive shape ( it is often conical like a pine tree, and with the drips as branches) It is baked in a time – and labour – intensive process, by painting layers of dough onto a rotating spit in a special open oven or over an open fire. It can be decorated with chocolate and flowers ornaments, but it is often served plain. “Sakotis” is one of the most important desserts in Lithuanian celebrations, especially at weddings or other special occasions such as Christmas. This product of the baker’s art is considered to be a symbol of the tradesman’s mastery of his profession. Even today, despite the modern equipment, making a “Sakotis” requires subtlety, love and experience. There are sources that mention “Sakotis” cake being baked in Europe as early as the 15th century. They were baked by monks, who kept the recipes highly secret. About 60 recipes for “Sakotis” cakes are known. Currently bake two types of “Sakotis”: the common or “traditional” type and the “crumbly” type. They are delicious, fresh and always fragrant with the aroma of vanilla and cream. The dough is prepared using natural products and the finished product contain no preservatives.