Japan's beloved "Tree Cake"

Today, and March 4th annually, is Baumkuchen Day バウムクーヘンの日 in Japan.  Baumkuchen is a traditional German layered cake known for its distinctive ring pattern that resembles the growth rings of a tree, and quite literally means "tree cake". 

"Baumkuchen Day" was established in 2010 by Juchheim, the confectionery company founded by German baker Karl Juchheim. On this day in 1919, Juchheim presented Baumkuchen at a German POW exhibition and sales event held at the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall—later known as the Atomic Bomb Dome. Although this moment may not be well known in Japan, it marked the beginning of Baumkuchen’s history in Japan.

The cake quickly became cherished for its delicate rings and gentle sweetness. Although Baumkuchen originated in Germany, is far more common and extremely popular in Japan. So much so, they gave it a day of its own!