Kugelhopf is one of the most popular and delicious treats found in Alsace, the endearingly folkloric French province on the Rhine. Not only is it showcased in virtually every window of the charming boulangeries and patisseries throughout the Alsatian countryside, but you can easily find molds of every size and color in local souvenir and kitchen shops. This fluted, circular coffee bread—and indeed, it is more like a brioche than cake—is often served dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Indulge in Alsace Kugelhopf

(also known as Gugelhupf in Austria and Germany)

While traditional recipes have been enjoyed for years throughout Alsace (and in Austria, Switzerland and Germany where the cake is known as Gugelhupf), some confectioners tweak the recipe, adding grated orange and lemon peel, candied fruit and vanilla or even smoky bacon and crunchy walnuts. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner with everything from milk and fruit juices to coffee and wine and as an apéritif. A dollop of butter or marmalade spread over the Kugelhopf is yet another way to indulge!