German Fried Egg Cake (Spiegeleierkuchen) is a whimsical and fun twist on a classic chocolate cake. Topped with whipped cream and mandarins, this cake mimics the appearance of a fried egg, making it a playful and creative dessert that’s sure to surprise and delight. Perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a little humor in the kitchen, this cake combines rich chocolate flavor with the lightness of whipped cream and the fresh tang of mandarins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun, creative cake that’s perfect for entertaining
- Rich and moist chocolate cake paired with sweet whipped cream
- The mandarins and whipped cream create the illusion of a fried egg
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Great conversation starter with its unique presentation
- A delicious treat that appeals to both kids and adults
- Can be customized with other fruit toppings for a personalized touch
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions
- Adds a playful twist to your dessert table
- Fun for holiday gatherings, parties, or themed events
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarins, drained
- Zest of 1 lime (optional)
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Slowly stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
- Arrange the mandarins on top of the whipped cream to resemble fried eggs, with each mandarin acting as the “yolk.”
- For extra flavor, sprinkle lime zest over the cake for a citrusy touch.
- Slice and serve this playful, delicious dessert!
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Other Fruit: Use peaches, apricots, or pineapple slices instead of mandarins for a different twist.
- Chocolate Ganache: Add a layer of chocolate ganache over the cake before spreading the whipped cream for extra richness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of orange or almond extract to the whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: Replace lime zest with lemon zest for a tangier citrus note.
- Berries: Top the cake with a mix of fresh berries along with the mandarins for added color and flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free whipped cream and substitute plant-based milk and oil for a vegan-friendly dessert.
- Coconut Cream: For a tropical touch, use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Layered Version: Make a layered cake by splitting the cake into two and adding whipped cream and mandarins in the middle as well.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the cake batter for an extra chocolatey bite.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the cake in a way that the whipped cream topping is covered to prevent it from becoming dry.
Freezing:
You can freeze the baked cake (without the whipped cream or mandarins) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before decorating with whipped cream and mandarins.
Reheating:
If you want to serve the cake warm, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or heat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Add the whipped cream and mandarins after reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best way to get the “fried egg” look with mandarins?
Drain the mandarins well and arrange them on the whipped cream in a way that they resemble egg yolks in the center of the cake. Press them gently to create the look of a fried egg.
Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mandarins or tangerines can be used, but make sure to peel and segment them before placing them on the cake.
How do I make sure the cake is moist?
Make sure to add the boiling water to the batter, which keeps the cake moist during baking. Also, don’t overbake the cake—check it with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark.
Can I use another type of cake mix for the base?
Yes, you can use a different chocolate cake mix or even a vanilla cake if you’d like a lighter flavor. The whipped cream and mandarins will still make it look like a “fried egg.”
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead, but add the whipped cream and mandarins just before serving to prevent them from softening or wilting.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
Can I freeze the whole cake?
You can freeze the cake without the whipped cream and mandarins for up to 2 months. After thawing, top it with fresh whipped cream and mandarins before serving.
Can I substitute the mandarins with another fruit?
Yes, feel free to use other fruits like peaches, apricots, or even kiwi for a different appearance.
Is this cake good for a party?
Definitely! It’s fun, visually impressive, and delicious, making it perfect for gatherings or themed events.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting?
Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the whipped cream, and if you’re not serving it immediately, keep it refrigerated.
Conclusion
German Fried Egg Cake (Spiegeleierkuchen) is a playful and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy whipped topping and the bright, sweet touch of mandarins. Its creative “fried egg” presentation makes it a fun and memorable addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to add some whimsy to your everyday treats, this cake is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
German Fried Egg Cake (Spiegeleierkuchen)
