If you love baking traditional german cakes that have stood the test of time, this Ottilienkuchen recipe will quickly become a favourite in your household. Passed down through generations, Ottilienkuchen is a rich and delicious German loaf cake and exactly the kind of Kuchen Oma would serve with afternoon coffee. It can be found in the classic Dr. Oetker recipe book, “Backen macht Freude,” it’s a true gem.
This vintage edition of Backen Macht Freude is a true classic from Dr. Oetker! First published to bring foolproof baking into every home, this 1960 reprint is filled with timeless German recipes, expert tips, and traditional techniques. A must-have for anyone who loves authentic, old-fashioned baking!
This Ottilienkuchen recipe uses homemade vanilla sugar for a richer flavour. Learn how to make your own homemade vanilla sugar.
Why You Will Love This Ottilienkuchen Recipe
Ottilienkuchen offers the perfect blend of rich flavours and simple ingredients. It’s an ideal cake for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just want to treat yourself, this loaf cake is sure to impress. The combination of almonds, chocolate, and mixed peel will win you over with every bite. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to explore traditional German baking right at home.
Whether you’ve grown up with Dr. Oetker’s beloved recipes or are discovering them for the first time, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. If you enjoy traditional German baking, you may also like my traditional Butterkuchen recipe. This classic German butter cake is made with a light yeast dough and topped with butter, sugar and almonds, making it another lovely cake to serve with coffee.
Ottilienkuchen
Ingredients
- 250 g Salted Butter (8.8 oz/1 cup)
- 200 g Sugar (7 oz/1 cup)
- 1 packet Dr. Oetker Vanilla Sugar or 2 tsp Homemade Vanilla Sugar
- 4 Eggs
- 10 ml Dr. Oetker Rum-Aroma (½ bottle) (or 2 tsp Rum)
- 200 g Flour (7 oz/1 2/3 cups)
- 50 g Cornflour (Mazina) / Dr. Oetker Gustin (1.8 oz/⅓ cup)
- 1 level teaspoon Baking Powder / Dr. Oetker Backin
- 100 g Ground Almonds (3.5 oz/1 cup)
- 75 g Chocolate, chopped (2.6 oz)
- 50 g Mixed Peel, chopped (1.8 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Using a Kitchen Aid stand or hand mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sugar, homemade vanilla sugar or Dr Oetker Vanilla Sugar eggs, and rum-aroma, mixing well after each addition.
- Sieve the flour, cornflour, and baking powder together, then add them to the butter mixture one tablespoon at a time.
- Fold in the ground almonds, chopped chocolate, and mixed peel.
- Pour the batter into a loaf tin that has been greased and lined with baking paper.
- Bake for 65 to 85 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool, then dust with icing sugar before serving.
Notes
Trusted German Quality: Dr. Oetker
When baking Ottilienkuchen, I often turn to Dr. Oetker products for that classic, familiar flavour. Their Baking Powder, Vanilla Sugar, and Rum Aroma are what I associate with traditional German home baking. I’ve included them here for anyone who would like to use the original ingredients, but I’ve also shared simple alternatives, in the ingredients section of the recipe, in case they’re not available where you are.
Top Picks to Perfect this Ottillienkuchen Recipe
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Description: Vanilla Sugar enhances the flavour without overpowering it. |
Description: Adds a subtle flavour that complements the almonds without dominating the cake. |
Description: Dr. Oetker Baking Powder ensures a reliable rise. |
Vanilla Sugar enhances the flavour without overpowering it.
Adds a subtle flavour that complements the almonds without dominating the cake.
Dr. Oetker Baking Powder ensures a reliable rise.
Frequently asked questions about this Ottilienkuchen Recipe
What’s the best way to serve Ottilienkuchen?
Serve thick slices with whipped cream, a dusting of icing sugar, or a simple glaze. It’s wonderful with afternoon coffee or for breakfast.
What is Dr. Oetker Famous For?
Dr. Oetker is widely celebrated for revolutionising the baking world with the invention of ready-to-use baking powder. This groundbreaking innovation not only made baking easier but also more accessible, enabling home bakers to achieve perfect cakes and pastries with consistent results. Over the years, Dr. Oetker has become a trusted name in kitchens around the globe. Today, the brand continues to offer a wide range of baking products that elevate your sweet creations to new heights.
How Did Dr. Oetker Begin?
Dr. Oetker’s journey began in January 1891 when its founder, Dr. August Oetker, acquired a small pharmacy in Bielefeld, Germany. Motivated by a deep passion for innovation, Dr. Oetker devoted himself to research that ultimately led to the creation of ready-to-use baking powder. This product not only revolutionised baking but also laid the foundation for the company we know today. What began as a modest pharmacy has since grown into a global brand synonymous with quality, reliability, and excellence in the kitchen.
How do you spell Ottilienkuchen?
Ottilienkuchen is sometimes misspelled as “Ottillienkuchen,” but the correct German spelling uses one “l”.
More German Recipes You’ll Love
Explore other traditional German dishes – perfect for family meals.
German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)
A hearty, satisfying soup made with lentils, vegetables, and a splash of vinegar, simple and nourishing.
Beef Goulash (Rindergulasch)
Tender beef simmered in a rich paprika sauce. Perfect with noodles, rice or Spätzle.
German Meatballs (Frikadellen)
Pan-fried meat patties made with ground beef, onion, and breadcrumbs, crispy outside, juicy inside, and great hot or cold.
Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen)
Crispy golden pancakes made from grated potatoes. Delicious with apple sauce.
Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
Braised red cabbage with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, an ideal side for hearty mains.
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I Would Love to Hear from You
Have you tried making Ottilienkuchen at home? I’d love to hear about your experience! Let me know how it turned out, or if you have any questions or suggestions.