Baumstriezel (Chimney Cake)

You haven’t truly experienced a German Market if you’ve haven’t tried one of these cakes. They are my husbands favorites. When we went on a trip to the Sankt Wendel Easter Market, we were just walking around looking at the different vendors when this sweet cinnamon aroma caught our attention and lured us over to the line in front of the hut called Baumstriezel (Chimney Cake). A line is a very good indication of something you must try while at a market. We figured if the locals like it then it must be good. 

So, what exactly is a chimney cake? It’s dough that’s been wrapped around this cylinder metal rolling pin and then baked over a hot fire or an oven. Once cooked it’s covered in your choice of toppings.  Some of the topping choices are cocoa, cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and walnut. They are served warm and ohhhhh, so delicious.  They stuff it into a little bag so you can hold it. You can see the steam coming out of the top of it. We then tear chunks of it off and enjoy. The good ones have a slight crunchy crust on the outside of it with a softer texture on the inside. It’s hollow in the center because it was taken off of the roller pin into the bag. This treat is my husbands favorite and we search it out anytime we’re at a market. We’ve noticed that different countries have their own variation of toppings which makes it even more exciting to try when we travel. 

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The Real Deal

My husband says that the real deal ones are the ones that are cooked over the hot fire. He feels that they are cooked all the way through; better than the ones that are placed in the oven. Maybe the ovens are quicker but we don’t mind waiting for the yumminess from the ones cooked over the hot coals. So, if you find yourself at one of these markets, make sure you look for the Baumstriezel booth!!!