Which German Christmas cake is traditionally associated with Dresden?

Dresdner Stollen is a German Christmas fruit bread traditionally associated with Dresden.

The loaf is made from enriched yeast dough containing butter, dried fruit, and often almonds. After baking, it is generously coated with melted butter and sugar, producing a rich exterior and helping the loaf keep well.

The earliest known written mention of Dresden’s Stollen dates to 1474. Over time, the bread changed from a relatively plain fasting loaf into the rich Christmas specialty recognized today. Its folded shape is commonly said to symbolize the swaddled Christ child.

“Dresdner Christstollen” is a protected geographical indication in the European Union. That protection means the name is reserved for Stollen made under specified conditions in Dresden and parts of its surrounding region. It should not be confused with every fruitcake sold simply as Stollen.