Drei Königs Kuchen

January 6 is a very special day! In Switzerland, we celebrate the Three Kings, who bring gifts to the newborn child. For this, my mom baked a Three Kings cake, typically Swiss! (or you bought it at the baker) In this cake was hidden a little king and who found it in his piece, was king for one day.

In the folk customs of the Western Church, the feast of Epiphany was reduced to the motif of the three kings, the wise men from the East. In nativity scenes, three wise men from the Orient are added to the figures on Epiphany. The Wise Men from the East are considered by tradition to be the first missionaries who brought the Good News to the whole world. For this reason, the feast of Epiphany is considered the oldest missionary feast.

But other countries also celebrate this day with their special pastries.

My 3 Tree Kings Cakes:

Left: Three Kings Cake with Chocolate

Middle: Three Kings Cake Tradition in Switzerland

Right: Three Kings Cake

In Germany

According to the guidelines for fine baked goods, Königskuchen is made from sand paste with candied fruit. The old German Königskuchen is made from a particularly heavy sand mixture, while the Rhenish-style Königskuchen is also baked wrapped in puff pastry.

In Switzerland

In Switzerland, Epiphany cake is made from sweet yeast dough that is formed into balls, arranged in a flower shape, and sprinkled with flaked almonds and coarse sugar. Most Swiss do not bake their own Epiphany cake, but buy it, complete with a golden paper crown to put on it, at the supermarket or bakery. A small king made of plastic is baked into this industrially produced Epiphany cake.

In France

In France there are two types of cakes. In the north of France, people traditionally eat the galette des rois made of puff pastry, often with a marzipan filling. In the south, there is the couronne or gâteau des rois, made from brioche dough and filled or decorated with candied fruit. A porcelain figurine is hidden in each cake.

In Portugal

In Portugal (and in Brazil), the Epiphany cake is known as bolo rei. It is made of yeast dough like brioche and decorated with candied fruit. Coming to Portugal via France in the 19th century, the bolo rei is usually shaped like a crown (round with an opening in the center).

In Spain

The Roscón de Reyes (“King’s Wreath”) is a traditional wreath cake made of yeast dough, baked in Spain from Christmas for the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6. It is available without filling, with whipped cream, truffle filling, custard cream or cabello de ángel. Hidden inside each is a porcelain figurine and a dry bean that must not be eaten under any circumstances. The tradition says that the one who finds the bean in his piece of cake will have to pay for the cake for all the guests. On the other hand, the one who is lucky enough to find the small porcelain figurine is crowned “king” by everyone. The wreath cake is decorated with candied fruits such as orange slices, red and green cherries, etc.

In Mexico

The tradition of Rosca de Reyes (“King’s Wreath”) was introduced in Mexico by Spain in the 16th century. The cake is made of yeast dough and usually without filling, baked only for the feast of the Magi on January 6. The wreath cake is decorated with candied desert fruits such as dates, figs, and the like. Hidden inside are several porcelain or ceramic figurines, according to one’s choice. The tradition says that the one who finds a porcelain child must make a succession to the feast and also bake tamales for all the guests. The feast is then celebrated on February 2, the Fiesta de la Candelaria (Candlemas).

Louisiana

The tradition of King Cake in Louisiana, and particularly in New Orleans, was established by French immigrants and dates back to the 19th century. These immigrants brought both the Northern French Galette des Rois made of puff pastry with marzipan filling (now known as French King Cake) and the Southern French version of the colorfully decorated yeast dough ring (now known as King Cake) to New Orleans, where both versions exist to this day. Common to both varieties is that a small plastic baby figurine, symbolizing the newborn Christ child, is hidden in the cake (in the past, nuts, beans, peas or coins were used). The finder is the king or queen of the day and must host the next King Cake party. (from Wikipedia)