Frankfurter Kranz is a traditional German cake, known for its rich layers of buttery sponge cake, creamy buttercream filling, and a crunchy coating of caramelized nuts. It’s an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress your guests with something both beautiful and delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake (Kora):
- 500 g cake mix (for a quick and easy base)
- 300 g eggs
- 100 g water
Note: If you want to make the sponge from scratch, you can substitute the cake mix with flour, sugar, and baking powder.
For the Buttercream Filling:
- 200 g butter (softened)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional for a fresh zing)
For the Jam Filling:
- Apricot or raspberry jam (about 4 tablespoons)
For the Crunchy Coating:
- Krokant (caramelized nuts) – You can either make this yourself or buy it ready-made for convenience.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sponge Cake:
Start by making the sponge cake. If you’re using a cake mix, simply combine 500 g of cake mix, 300 g of eggs, and 100 g of water in a mixer and beat for 10 minutes until smooth and fluffy. If you’re making the cake from scratch, you can substitute the cake mix with the same amount of flour, sugar, and baking powder, following the usual steps for making a sponge cake.
Pour the batter into a 22 cm (8.5-inch) round cake pan (Note: If you’re using a larger pan, adjust the baking time accordingly). Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Buttercream Filling:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the buttercream filling. Beat 200 g softened butter with 200 g powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using), then mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Once the sponge cake is completely cooled, slice it horizontally into two or three layers (depending on your preference). Spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom layer. Then, pipe or spread the buttercream filling generously over the jam.
Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process, adding jam and buttercream between the layers. Once all layers are assembled, cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
4. Add the Crunchy Coating:
To finish, generously coat the sides of the cake with krokant (caramelized nuts). This will add a delightful crunch and a beautiful finish to your Frankfurter Kranz. If you prefer, you can make your own krokant by caramelizing sugar and nuts, but to save time, store-bought krokant works perfectly!
5. Chill and Serve:
Once the cake is assembled and decorated, refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the buttercream to set. When ready to serve, slice and enjoy this indulgent treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Frankfurter Kranz is a classic German cake that combines layers of rich, buttery cake, sweet jam, smooth buttercream, and crunchy krokant. It’s a showstopper dessert that will wow your guests at any celebration. Next time you make it, try a little trick like piping the buttercream and jam for a cleaner, more professional look!
