🇩🇪 Germany · Dessert
Frankfurter Kranz (Frankfurt Crown Cake)
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
The Frankfurter Kranz is a majestic German layer cake, symbolizing a crown. This impressive dessert features a rich butter cake, often baked in a ring mold, generously filled with luscious buttercream, and coated with toasted almond brittle. It's traditionally adorned with candied cherries, making it a true showstopper.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 24-26 cm (9-10 inch) ring mold, dusting it lightly with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together 250g all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, cream together 250g softened unsalted butter and 200g granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in 6 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to prevent curdling. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 3
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 100ml milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared ring mold and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 4
While the cake cools, prepare the buttercream. In a stand mixer, beat 250g softened unsalted butter until very light and fluffy. Gradually add 200g powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Slowly incorporate 50ml milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the buttercream is silky and well-aerated. Don't rush this step for a perfect consistency!
- 5
For the brittle, melt 50g butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add 100g flaked almonds and 50g granulated sugar, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until the almonds are golden brown and coated in caramelized sugar. Spread this mixture thinly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool completely until brittle.
- 6
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully slice it horizontally into three even layers using a long serrated knife. Take your time to ensure even layers for a stable and beautiful cake.
- 7
Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about one-third of the buttercream evenly over it. Place the second layer on top, spread another third of the buttercream, then top with the final cake layer.
- 8
Use the remaining buttercream to generously frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Once fully frosted, gently press the cooled almond brittle onto the sides and top of the cake, ensuring it adheres well and creates a beautiful, crunchy coating.
- 9
Finally, decorate your Frankfurter Kranz with 8-10 glacé cherries, placing them symmetrically around the top or in any desired pattern. Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the buttercream to set, enhancing its stability and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cake pan is essential for achieving the traditional "crown" shape of Frankfurter Kranz?+
To get the characteristic ring shape, use a 24-26 cm (9-10 inch) ring or bundt cake pan. If you don't have one, you can bake two 20 cm (8 inch) round cakes and stack them, then cut a hole in the center.
How can I ensure my buttercream for Frankfurter Kranz turns out smooth and doesn't curdle?+
Make sure both the butter and the cooked pudding or custard base are at the same room temperature before you start mixing. Add the pudding slowly, spoonful by spoonful, to the creamed butter while continuously beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
What's the best way to prepare and apply the flaked almond croquant so it's crunchy and adheres well to the cake?+
Lightly toast the flaked almonds before caramelizing them with sugar to enhance their flavor and crunch. Once cooled and crumbled, gently press the croquant onto the buttercream-covered sides of the cake for firm adhesion.
How are the glacé cherries typically used for decoration on a Frankfurter Kranz to maintain its authentic appearance?+
Glacé cherries are traditionally halved and arranged in the indentations or "peaks" of the crown cake, often on top of small buttercream rosettes. This placement mimics jewels on a crown, giving it its iconic look.
Mundo Match
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