If you’re looking for a festive German treat, this Pfefferkuchen vom Blech is perfect. It’s sweet, spiced, and packed with nuts. Traditionally baked for Christmas, it’s also wonderful for gifting to friends and family.
One of the star spices in Pfefferkuchen is cardamom. This magical spice takes a recipe from “nice” to “wow!” It pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves. In South Africa, you can find cardamom at Woolworths or at Indian spice shops, where it’s called elaichi. If you’re curious, this helpful guide explains what cardamom is and how it’s used in baking and cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Pfefferkuchen Vom Blech
- Nutty & flavorful – Almonds, pecans, and mixed peel give every bite a crunchy, rich taste.
- Perfectly spiced – Cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom create that unmistakable festive flavour.
- Quick to bake – Ready in just 20–25 minutes at 160°C, yet fully set and delicious.
If you enjoy traditional German Christmas baking, you may also love my Zimtsterne, another festive favourite made with cinnamon and nuts.
German Pfefferkuchen vom Blech
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 9 Egg whites
- 500 g Sugar 2 1/2 cups / 17.6 oz
- 100 g Almonds chopped (1 cup / 3.5 oz)
- 100 g Pecans chopped (1 cup / 3.5 oz)
- 140 g Mixed peel 1 cup / 4.9 oz
- 5 g Cinnamon 1 tsp / 0.18 oz
- 4 g Cloves 3/4 tsp / 0.14 oz
- 2 g Cardamom 1/2 tsp / 0.07 oz
- 250 g Flour 2 cups / 8.8 oz
For the Icing
- 200 g Icing sugar 1 2/3 cups / 7 oz
- 3 tbsp Water plus a few extra drops if needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare a roasting dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating on medium speed for 30 minutes until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Fold in almonds and pecan nuts.
- Fold in the mixed peel.
- Fold in the spices.
- Fold in the flour and mix gently until fully combined.
- Step 2: Bake the Pfefferkuchen
- Pour the batter into your prepared roasting dish, spreading it evenly to about 1 inch thickness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking with a cake tester. The cake is done when the tester comes out clean.
- Step 3: Make the Icing
- While the cake is baking, mix icing sugar with 3 tablespoons of water, adding extra drops slowly until thin and pourable.
- Step 4: Finish with a Simple Icing
- Pour the icing over the top, spreading thinly.
- Allow the icing to set for 15–20 minutes before slicing into small squares or rectangles.
Essential Baking Tools for Pfefferkuchen Vom Blech
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Description: Perfect for whipping egg whites and mixing nut-based Pfefferkuchen batter. |
Description: 9 × 13 inch pan – ideal for baking Pfefferkuchen vom Blech. |
Description: Serrated knife for cleanly slicing Pfefferkuchen without crumbling. |
Perfect for whipping egg whites and mixing nut-based Pfefferkuchen batter.
9 × 13 inch pan – ideal for baking Pfefferkuchen vom Blech.
Serrated knife for cleanly slicing Pfefferkuchen without crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Christmas parties, gifting, or as a festive afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
- Arrange on a decorative plate with sprigs of holly for presentation.
- For a festive table, serve this Pfefferkuchen alongside my Festive Yogurt Cake, which makes a beautiful and simple centrepiece for holiday gatherings.
Storage Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Beautiful Holiday Cookie Jars & Tins for Your Christmas Baking
When it comes to storing, gifting, or displaying your Pfefferkuchen and other festive treats, these holiday jars and tins are both practical and charming. First, the Villeroy & Boch Winter Collage Biscuit Tin (set of 3) is perfect for presenting cookies to friends and family or simply adding a cheerful seasonal touch to your kitchen. Then, for larger batches, the Villeroy & Boch Winter Bakery Delight Large Pastry Box provides generous space while looking elegant on your countertop, making it ideal for holiday gatherings. Meanwhile, the Spode Christmas Tree Cookie Jar adds a whimsical, timeless Christmas charm, making it a delightful focal point for your festive décor. These high-quality jars and tins are stylish, and wonderfully festive, helping you keep your holiday treats fresh while bringing classic Christmas spirit into your home.
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Description: Set of 3 festive biscuit tins – perfect for cookies & gifting. |
Description: Large porcelain pastry box – holds lots of cookies, festive design. |
Description: Festive Spode Christmas tree cookie jar – stores treats & decor. |
Set of 3 festive biscuit tins – perfect for cookies & gifting.
Large porcelain pastry box – holds lots of cookies, festive design.
Festive Spode Christmas tree cookie jar – stores treats & decor.
Frequently asked questions about Pfefferkuchen
No, using fewer egg whites will affect the texture; the cake may not set properly.
Yes, just adjust the baking time. Thicker batter may need a few extra minutes.
You May Also Like
If you’re planning festive baking or putting together thoughtful holiday gifts, you may also enjoy these ideas from The Party Toad:
Bottle Gift Wrapping – Creative and easy ways to wrap wine or spirits, perfect for pairing with homemade Pfefferkuchen as a holiday gift.
Russian Squares – A classic bake that’s ideal for slicing, sharing, and adding to festive treat platters.
New Year’s Crackers – A fun DIY party idea that brings a playful touch to New Year’s celebrations and festive gatherings.
These buttery Pecan Balls are coated in icing sugar and make a delicious addition to a Christmas cookie platter.