Karen's Kuchens are made from a traditional recipe from the early 1900s
The word kuchen is German for “cake,” but in North Dakota, it refers to a specific type of cake that’s more like a thick custard in a crust of sweet dough, cut into triangles like a pie. When Germans immigrated to the U.S., many of them brought the tradition of kaffeeklatsch–afternoon coffee, cake and conversation–with them. Today, the dessert continues to be a staple at holidays and community gatherings throughout the Dakotas.
Karen's Kuchens Larimore
The kuchens from Karen’s Kuchens are made using a recipe brought over from the Black Sea area of Russia in the early 1900s. The selection, which can be shipped to most parts of the country, includes classics like prune and rhubarb, as well as creative options like root beer or pecan rum. Photo courtesy of Karen's Kuchens
Grandma's Kuchen Ashley
The kuchen from Grandma's Kuchen in Ashley starts with a thin layer of sweet crust, filled with homemade fruit filling and covered in a rich cream filling. A think layer of signature sugar crumble and a sprinkle of cinnamon go on top. Photo courtesy of Grandma's Kuchen
Würst Bier Hall Fargo
The pie-like kuchen from Würst Bier Hall in Fargo comes with a thick, cakey crust and a dense custard filling. Diners can get it hot or cold with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Photo courtesy of Würst Bier Hall
Model Bakery Linton
The kuchen from Model Bakery are scratch made using Dakota wheat flour, sweet cream custard and fruit, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. There are a dozen flavors to choose from. Photo courtesy of Model Bakery / Facebook
Ashley Supervalu sells several varieties of kuchen–rhubarb, prune, peach, cheese, custard, pumpkin, chocolate chip and about half a dozen others. You can even get them shipped (fresh or frozen). Photo courtesy of Ashley Supervalu / Facebook
The Home Plate Cafe Fredonia
The Home Plate Cafe in Fredonia is known for its German specialties, including a rotating dessert menu. Kuchen, served as a bar rather than the typical triangular slice, often features. Photo courtesy of The Home Plate Cafe / Facebook
Frieds Family Restaurant Mandan
Frieds Family Restaurant is known for its home cooking and friendly service. While portions are generous, it’s a good idea to save room for a slice of homemade kuchen for dessert. Photo courtesy of Frieds Family Restaurant / Facebook
The kuchen at Boneshaker Coffee Company in Bismarck is baked fresh daily, along with an extensive selection of coffees and other baked goods. Photo courtesy of iStock / LuckyBusiness
The top 10 winners in the Best Kuchen in North Dakota category are as follows:
Krista Rausch has spent most of her life on the... Read More
Krista Rausch has spent most of her life on the Great Plains of North Dakota. She lives with her husband and their three cats in Bismarck, where she works as a communications specialist for North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and a staff writer for North Dakota Living magazine. She enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, reading and cooking the best food on the prairie – recipes handed down by Germans from Russia!
Krista Rausch
Krista Rausch has spent most of her life on the Great Plains of North Dakota. She lives with her husband and their three cats in Bismarck, where she works as a communications specialist for North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and a staff writer for North Dakota Living magazine. She enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, reading and cooking the best food on the prairie – recipes handed down by Germans from Russia!
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