15 Million People Can't Get Enough of Kristin's Baumkuchen Slice and Dice
Salzwedel, a town in Saxony-Anhalt with a population of slightly over two million, has become the unexpected hub for a viral Baumkuchen video. The video, created by Kristin Gessert, a 42-year-old employee of Salzwedeler Baumkuchenbetriebe Bose GmbH (with just 12 employees), has exploded in popularity, garnering over 15 million views worldwide on various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
In the video, Kristin delights viewers with a simple demonstration of Baumkuchen slicing, a technique every Salzwedel resident knows by heart:
Unlike cutting, Baumkuchen isn't chopped into pieces but is instead sliced from the top using a sharp knife. The result? Thin slices resembling tree rings. Although they're not always picture-perfect, they're delicious beyond belief, melting in your mouth.
The secret behind this remarkable texture? According to Kristin, it's due to the slicing process not closing the pores that form in the dough during baking, resulting in thinner slices.
Responding to Critics
Not everyone shares Kristin's enthusiasm for the method, though. Some users argue that they prefer to eat their cake their way. Unfazed, Kristin responds, "This is a tip, not a mandate. You're under no obligation to heed my advice."
Others lament the lack of chocolate in sliced Baumkuchen. Kristin's reply: "If you're a chocolate lover, opt for a chunky bar instead. The true essence of cake lies in its dough."
Tradition at its Finest
As for traditional Salzwedeler Baumkuchen, it doesn't require chocolate at all, and we can spot it easily due to its distinctive icing coating. Cocoa beans, still a rare commodity in the early days, were not part of the initial Baumkuchen recipe.
Use a sharp, not overly large knife for slicing, advises Kristin, and before you know it, you'll be an expert, too. Just remember, only in-house, professional, or home-cooked Baumkuchen can truly showcase the technique's differences.
Where to Find Your Perfect Slice
If you're in Saxony-Anhalt, you can buy Kristin's traditional Baumkuchen from "Ihr Landbäcker" branches or local Christmas markets. However, if you're planning on visiting their online store during the festive season, be warned – it's sure to be mobbed.
Lesser-Known Baumkuchen Tidbits
Although Baumkuchen is traditionally light on chocolate, options with both light and dark chocolate are available. If you're up for experimenting with unique flavors, you might want to try out Baumkuchen with nougat, fruit, or other fillings.
Interestingly, Baumkuchen festivals and shows take place in countries like Germany, Australia, and the United States. While these events celebrate the delectable dessert, they also commemorate the enduring craft tradition of Baumkuchen's origins.
