Spring in Germany isn’t just about asparagus—it’s also strawberry season! 🍓
From April through early summer, bright red strawberry stands (Erdbeerstände) start appearing all over town.
You’ll see them in front of supermarkets, on the corners of town squares, and at the entrances of shopping centers. They’re everywhere—almost rivaling asparagus in number! 😄
When I first saw one of these cute little stalls, I thought, “What an adorable strawberry shop!” But after seeing them year after year, I’ve come to associate them with the arrival of strawberry season. 😊 There’s something truly special about experiencing the seasons not just through the weather, but through nature’s bounty—right there on the streets. Coming from Japan, where you rarely see things like strawberry stands popping up around town, I find this way of welcoming the season absolutely wonderful!
One of the most iconic stands is shaped like a giant red strawberry. These belong to Karls, a well-known strawberry farm brand. In northern Germany, Karls is also famous as a kind of strawberry-themed amusement park, offering strawberry picking, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly fun. I haven’t visited the park myself yet, but the Karls stands around town sell fresh, early-morning-picked strawberries, and that’s already delightful. When I see people lining up to buy them, I always feel tempted—and yes, I gave in again just the other day😅
They were juicy, sweet, and such a vivid red! The boxes are small and cute, which makes them easy to pick up on a whim.Maybe that’s why I often spot people walking around with nothing but a box of strawberries in hand. Some sit on park benches and eat them right away. Just recently, a woman sitting next to me on the tram was gently holding a little strawberry box on her lap. Scenes like these – people enjoying seasonal fruit out in the open – feel heartwarming and natural. For someone like me, who grew up buying everything at the supermarket, it evokes a certain nostalgia and reminds me of how special these everyday moments can be.
Germany’s Beloved Strawberry Cake🍰
Of course, strawberries are delicious on their own, but here in Germany, they’re also the star of one of the most popular seasonal desserts: Erdbeerkuchen, or strawberry cake. You’ll find it everywhere this time of year: in supermarket fridges, bakery displays, and market stalls. I always find myself reaching for one. 😋
The traditional version features a light sponge cake base topped with homemade vanilla pudding, a layer of neatly arranged fresh strawberries, and a glossy coating of clear or red Tortenguss – a jelly glaze that gives it that signature shine. The pudding gently sweetens the base and brings out the juiciness of the fruit, while the chilled texture adds a refreshing touch. Recently, lighter versions with whipped cream or fresh cheese have become more common, but the classic Erdbeerkuchen has a quiet charm. It’s not overly sweet, it has a clean, refreshing texture, and you’ll find yourself wanting just one more slice.
In Japan, strawberries are most often found on shortcakes. In France, they’re typically used in tarts. But in Germany, it’s the square or rectangular cakes with rows of strawberries that truly define the season—and I find that very endearing. It’s something anyone can make at home, and yet it’s a treat that carries the joy of the season with it
So this year, I decided to make my own version at home and share the recipe with you.
It features homemade vanilla pudding, a gentle sweetness, and plenty of fresh strawberries.
👉 German Strawberry Cake – Erdbeerkuchen – See the recipe here!
