Our Story
A timeless journey of taste through centuries of tradition — from the heart of Transylvania to Saarbrücken.
A Timeless Journey of Taste
Chimney Cake Signature is more than just a shop — it is a journey through time and the authentic taste of a culinary specialty steeped in history.
Inspired by the tradition of the Transylvanian sweet yeast cake, born in the heart of Transylvania, our team brought a unique gastronomic experience to Germany in 2010.
Every step along this path of flavor carries you through centuries of tradition, and every bite offers the authentic aroma and a true taste experience.
The Origins in Transylvania
The story of the Baumstriezel begins during the Tatar invasion of Transylvania (Romania) in 1241. In those days, people sought refuge in caves.
The Tatars waited, knowing that the people would come out once their food supplies ran out. To show they still had plenty to eat, the cave dwellers made a kind of yeast cake on a stick and placed it outside.
Faced with this deception, the Tatars decided there was no point in waiting — and moved on.
The Women and the Open Fire
Some 500 years later, it was customary for the women to knead the dough at midday. The dough rose until evening and was brought to the celebration, where the whole village baked together over an open fire.
The women brought walnuts, poppy seeds and wooden baking molds. On these molds they rolled out the dough, crushing the walnuts and poppy seeds along the way.
The dough was shaped into finger-thick strips, rolled onto drums and brushed with clarified butter using a goose feather. Finally, sugar was sprinkled on top.
The First Written Recipe
Although its origins reach back to the 12th century, the first documented mention of the Baumstriezel dates to 1450, and the first known recipe dates to 1784, signed by the Transylvanian countess Mikes Maria.
Despite all this documentation proving that the product originates from the heart of Romania, on December 3, 2015 Hungary filed to register the Baumstriezel under its Hungarian name (kürtőskalács) as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product — without success.
This rolled yeast cake only gained widespread popularity after the fall of Romanian communism, when entrepreneurs from Transylvania began building their own businesses, spreading this delicacy across Romania and even exporting it beyond its borders.
The Meaning of the Name
The name of this special pastry tells a story of its own — in every language, a different facet of the same tradition.
Kürtő means „chimney flue“, kalács means „braided cake“. „Kürtőskalács“ refers to a braided cake shaped like a chimney flue.
In English, literally „chimney cake“ — a direct translation of the Hungarian name. The name describes the characteristic cylindrical shape that resembles a chimney flue.
In German, „Baumstriezel“ translates as a braided cake wrapped around a tree trunk, pointing to the pastry’s distinctive cylindrical shape.
The Secret Recipe
The Baumstriezel dough is carefully made from wheat flour and 14 secret ingredients known only to our team. Once prepared, the dough is left to rest briefly.
The dough is then wrapped around a specially shaped wooden roller, previously brushed with oil. This creates the characteristic rolled shape of the yeast cake.
Today we perfect the baking process in specially developed electric ovens designed for chimney cake. The sugar sprinkled onto the dough caramelizes into the iconic, mirror-smooth caramel layer — crispy outside, airy and tender inside.
Tradition Before Your Eyes
Chimney Cake Signature offers an interactive culinary experience. Production takes place before the customers‘ eyes — from rolling the dough on the wooden roller to the fascinating baking process.
This live demonstration of preparation and baking gives the enjoyment a traditional and authentic dimension, intensifying the experience even further.
After baking, the Transylvanian yeast cake is drizzled and sprinkled with a variety of flavors. From sugar to cinnamon to coconut — every product can be customized to suit individual taste.
The Journey to Germany
In 2010 we brought the authentic Transylvanian Baumstriezel to Germany — and with it a tradition that has connected generations for centuries.
Today, after 16 years of passion and dedication, we are entering a new era with Chimney Cake Signature — ready for premium locations, international expansion and a proven franchise system.
What remains unchanged: the authenticity, the quality, the dedication. What evolves: the brand, the reach, the future.
Discover Our Range
Over 30 varieties — from classic cinnamon & sugar to modern Evoluto® creations with soft-serve ice cream and fresh fruit.