Frankfurter Kranz is the German cake traditionally made with layers of sponge, buttercream, and red-currant jam.
The cake is associated with Frankfurt am Main and is usually baked in a ring-shaped Bundt-style mold. Its outside is coated with caramelized brittle, commonly made from almonds or other nuts, giving the cake its characteristic crunchy finish.
The usual construction has several horizontal layers of sponge separated by buttercream and jam. The red-currant filling adds acidity to balance the rich buttercream. It is often decorated with small buttercream rosettes and candied cherries.
The name means “Frankfurt wreath,” referring to the ring shape rather than to a particular ingredient. It should not be confused with Bethmännchen, a marzipan confection also associated with Frankfurt.