How did the Gugelhupf get its name? So where was it really invented? And what does the apple strudel have to do with the Orient?
Since the year of its foundation, 1786, the imperial and royal court confectioner Demel has been spoiling connoisseurs from all over the world with the finest confectionery and desserts. Two extraordinary specialties, the Gugelhupf as well as the Apfelstrudel belong to the repertoire of the confectioners.
First, the Gugelhupf: the components of the dessert are not elaborate. The dough is made from flour, eggs, butter and raisins. Sometimes yeast is also added. The term “Gugel” is used to express the word “hood”.
In Germany, this sweet temptation is called “Napfkuchen” . Pre-forms of this dish were already known in the time of the ancient Romans. During excavations, cake molds were found that are similar to the current shape of the containers in which this cake is prepared.
The original Viennese Gugelhupf is a light and very digestible dish. A much more flavorful type of this treat is called chocolate gugelhupf. A legend says that the Magi brought it to Alsace from the Orient and the French are still convinced that the Gugelhupf originated in France, more precisely in Ribeauvillé, where an annual Gugelhupf festival is held to this day. According to another legend, the Archduchess of Austria and later Queen Marie-Antoinette took him to the French court in Versailles.
If you prefer it fruitier, the famous Viennese apple strudel certainly tastes better. However, the delicacy comes from the Orient. The history of the strudel associated with the Turkish dish
“Baklava” is related, reads exciting. In the Orient, more precisely in the Arab region, one assumes today the “cradle” of this food in its many variations, which has long since become native to many European countries. In the middle of the 15th century the Ottomans conquered Byzantium and in this era the “strudel” and thereby also the pastry shell filled with apples and raisins is said to have found its way to Europe.
Time Travel Tip: In the approximately 2,000 cafés in Vienna you can try all Viennese desserts. Right near Time Travel you will find the Demel, Café Central, Café Sacher, Café Bräunerhof to name a few. The Viennese coffee house chain Aida is also worth a visit and an institution in pink
