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Alsace
A spiral-rolled brioche dough, sliced into little golden snails filled with almonds — the cake to share without a knife, at coffee time.
Pastry or bakery speciality from Alsace.
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Schneckekueche is part of the gastronomic heritage of Kochersberg, a rural region of Bas-Rhin situated north-west of Strasbourg. Its Alsatian name translates literally as 'snail cake', referring to its spiral-rolled brioche dough which, once sliced, forms little shells. The nickname 'Chinois', by which the cake is also known, stems from this same coiled shape.
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The origins of Schneckekueche are said to date back to Christmas markets in Alsace and patronal festivals. In Mulhouse, these pastries once appeared for Saint-Nicolas. Even today, the Boulangerie Pâtisserie Olland in Strasbourg reports that it is customary in Alsace to eat it on Wednesdays and Fridays for the traditional 'KaffeKueche' — the afternoon coffee-and-cake.
Appearance
Small cake in the shape of a coiled spiral, like a snail shell, covered with a sweet glaze sprinkled with flaked almonds.
Taste
Ground almond and hazelnut filling, sometimes enhanced with cinnamon or lemon zest; certain versions are filled with vanilla crème pâtissière.
Texture
Soft, brioche-like yeasted dough, contrasting with the crunch of the flaked almond glaze.
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Schneckekueche is enjoyed at coffee time, in Alsace traditionally on Wednesdays and Fridays for the 'KaffeKueche'. Its practical appeal wins over young and old alike: no knife is needed to share it, as it naturally unrolls into individual little shells.
Artisan
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