Known as the "King of Cakes" the Baumkuchen is a kind of layered cake, known in many countries throughout Europe. When cut, the cake reveals the characteristic golden rings that give it its name, Baumkuchen or translated literally, "Tree Cake". To get the ring effect, a thin layer of batter is brushed evenly onto a spit and allowed to bake until golden. The most skilled baker will repeat this process numerous times. Some bakers have been known to

create 3 foot long Baumkuchens consisting of 25 layers and weighing over 100 pounds (45 kg). Baumkuchen may be covered with sugar or chocolate glaze. The cake requires some level of skill to bake and can get messy if made in the traditional way (on a spit); however, modified recipes using pans do exist.It is highly disputed who made the first Baumkuchen and where it was first baked. Traditionally the town of Salzwedel and the Master Baker

for the Prussian King have been associated with its creation in the year 1790.

Nowadays Baumkuchen is one of the most popular pastries in Japan (where it is called バウムクーヘン baumukūhen) and is available in any grocery shop.

Baumkuchen (called Baamkuch) has also become a traditional dish in Luxembourg, where it is served mostly on special occasions like weddings.

A quite interesting version of Baumkuchen is Lithuanian šakotis, which is distinctive by its shape.

A related cake is the Swedish Spettekaka (turnspit cake).