9 Easy German Dessert Recipes

With a name like "Pfeffernusse," these cookies are just too charming to pass up. This is one of our favorite German cookie recipes, because it makes a lot of delicious, bite-sized cookies. The flavors are also incredible, with plenty of sweet spice flavor and a dusting of confectioner's sugar to balance it all out. This is one of those traditional German desserts that's perfect for a casual occasion or the holidays.

Crumb cakes are a mainstay among German desserts, and this recipe is one we're crazy for. Bright, juicy blueberries are suspended in fluffy cake and covered in a generous crumb topping. You can enjoy this cake for dessert or breakfast (we recommend both).

Apples are a popular ingredient in German desserts, and with this recipe it's easy to see why. The tart fruit is a perfect partner to crumbly cobbler topping. The whole dish just begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

We couldn't resist throwing another German crumb cake into the mix here. This delicious cake is packed with warm cinnamon flavor and sweet topping. It's an ideal recipe for brunch, but you can definitely serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack (this is really an anytime German cake recipe).

Black Forest cake is such a great name for a dessert, and it's good that its flavors are more than worthy of such a fun moniker! This Black Forest cake recipe is overflowing with cherry and chocolate flavor. The presentation is also terrific, with mounds of shaved chocolate on top. This is one German dessert recipe that you don't want to miss.

Perhaps the most traditional German dessert recipe, apple strudel is a classic for a reason. Biting into flaky pastry, with a satisfying crunch, is one of the best dessert experiences ever. Try our delicious German pastry recipe to create your own version of this all-time favorite.

This delicious apple cake is sweet, crumbly, and perfectly comforting. The layers of fruit and spice make it the perfect indulgent snack or dessert. We imagine it is incredible when served warm with a little vanilla ice cream on top, too! Plus, you won't believe how easy it is to make. It's official. You have no excuse not to make this delicious German apple cake!

If you've never had a German apple pancake before (sometimes called Dutch baby pancakes), you're in for a real treat. This delicious apple pancake is fluffy, golden, and filled with caramelized apple slices. Like some of the other recipes here, you can enjoy this for breakfast or dessert. You're sure to be pleased either way.

If you like baked goods with melt-in-your-mouth texture, then you're going to adore this authentic German Beesting Cake. Made with layers of sweet, fluffy yeast dough and an unbelievably good vanilla pastry cream filling, you are sure to be on cloud nine. Did we mention the crispy, honey-drizzled topping? This cake, called Bienenstich in German, is one you'll make again and again.

Did you know that German chocolate cake isn't actually from Germany? The name comes from Sam German, a man who in the 19th century invented a type of sweet baking chocolate for the Baker's chocolate company. The cake was invented over 100 years later, when a Texas woman published a recipe using "German's chocolate" in her chocolate cake. The apostrophe was eventually dropped, and this American classic was born.