The first Great German Bake Off in San Francisco on January 28, 2024 was a huge success and marks the start of a new annual party celebrating German cakes & pastries.
Thank You, Contestants, for All Your Hard Work and for Bringing So Many Delicious German Cakes and Pastries to the First Great German Bake Off in SF
About 60 people came and devoured 14 desserts. There were no leftovers.
Some of the Submissions at the Great German Bake Off
Who Won the First Great German Bake Off in SF?
Fourteen contestants came to show off their superb baking skills. In the multicultural spirit of San Francisco, Americans and even someone from Thailand took on the Germans in a fierce battle to win the Great German Bake Off. After much deliberation, the 3 judges awarded first place to an American who had baked her first German cake.
- 1st Prize: Cherry Poppy Seed Cake, Kirschmohntorte, by Patricia Wiig, Suppenküche gift certificate
- 2nd Prize: Black Forest Cake, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, by Alexandra Wahl, Hahdough gift certificate
- 3rd Prize: Hansen-Jensen by Marina Hanke, Lehr’s gift basket
Guests Watch the Judges Cut the First Cakes at the Great German Bake Off
While the judges sliced and sampled the first German desserts, we had to hold back the crowds.
A Complete List of German Cakes and Pastries in the Great German Bake Off in San Francisco
The following German cakes & pastries entered the Great German Bake Off. Then, the entries were judged according to the following criteria: flavor, texture, presentation and creativity. You’ll find links below to some of the recipes.
- Schmandkuchen: Cream Cake with raspberries and a meringue topping
- Mohnkuchen: Poppy Seed Cake
- Apfelkuchen: Apple Cake
- Rote Grütze: Red Berry Dessert
- Hansen-Jensen
- Pfirsichkuchen: Peach Cake
- Apfel-Streusel-Kuchen: Apple Streusel Cake
- Russischer Zupfkuchen: Russian Cheesecake made with German Quark
- Nussecken: Nut Squares
- Bienenstich: Bee Sting Cake
- Kirschmohntorte: Cherry Poppy Seed Cake
- Schwarzwälderkirschtorte: Black Forest Cake – The baker made her German mom’s recipe.
- Nusshörnchen: Nut Crescents
- Windbeutel: Cream Puffs
Contemporary Classical Music with the Nakele Rechenauer Trio at the Great German Bake Off
Nakele Rechenauer, cellist, brought viola player, Bryce Hathaway, and cello player, Beth Kim. Together, they set the mood and presented the delightful contemporary classical music of Bay Area composer, Diane Louie.
The musicians in Nakele’s trio otherwise play in the Kensington Symphony Orchestra where they recently performed Beethoven. So, the Great German Bake Off was lucky that they were available.
A Big Thanks to the Following Individuals and Businesses in San Francisco
The Great German Bake Off would like to thank the Suppenküche, Hahdough, Lehr’s German Specialties, German Ladies General Benevolent Society, Nakele Rechenauer for bringing her musical trio, Barbara Ristau for providing the venue, the judges Heike Harrison and Paulette Denise Jaugstetter, and everyone for joining us from all corners of the Bay Area!
Those of Us Who Stayed Late Caught an Amazing Sunset from the Deck on an Unusually Warm January Day in San Francisco
Who Can Enter the Great German Bake Off
Any and all people are welcome to enter the Great German Bake Off! Adults and kids are welcome to participate.
Both inexperienced and experienced bakers are eligible to enter, but all baked goods must be made in a home kitchen.
How to Register for the Great German Bake Off
For further information and to register for the next bake off, just email me or contact Cathy’s Cake Salon on Instagram or Facebook.
Looks like the event was a great success! Did the winners share their recipes?
Yes, the event was a big hit! Not all winners wanted to share their recipes. But there are links to some of the recipes in the post.