Any Swiss/ German mumsnetters out there? Please?

[Chasingthecake]

We’re going on holiday to (German-speaking) Switzerland next week and it’s DH’s 50th while we’re there. The hotel has very kindly said that it can make us a cake but has asked what flavour he’d like. He hates chocolate cake. Please could I ask - how might a Swiss person (or German speaker) describe a Victoria sponge-type cake filling? Thank you.

Not Swiss/German but could you just ask for vanilla?

Google translate ?

https://www.helvetickitchen.com/recipes/swiss-cakes

you could pick a specific cake

otherwise I would just ask for no chocolate

German, not Swiss so I'm not sure if it's the same in Swiss German, but the type of sponge used in a Victoria sponge or similar Torten are, confusingly, called Biskuitboden or Biskuitteig.
If chocolate cake is the only cake he doesn't like (I totally agree with that btw) I'd tell them that and let them make something Swiss, like a Ruebelitorte (Swiss version of a carrot cake, so good).

Ohne schokolade is without chocolate, keine schokolade no chocolate. Buttercream is not really a thing though.

It's called a Rührkuchen in German. They should understand that in Switzerland but wouldn't be surprised if they call it something different.

Lived in Switzerland for many years. Where in Switzerland are you going? Have a look on this website

https://www.confiserie.ch/de/torten

and find one which you think he would like. They often have cake with quark which sounds rank but is delicious. If it’s a large hotel set out what you would like in English, it will avoid things being lost in translation. If not you can try “Mein Ehemann mag keinen Schokoladenkuchen, daher wäre ein Vanillekuchen am besten.” Sign off “Freundliche Grüsse” for bonus points.

Victoria Sponge is for me the quintessential English cake. I’d second the idea of asking for their speciality, clarifying “bitte keine Chocolade”. Use a bit of pantomime to clarify he doesn’t like chocolate and see what deliciousness will arrive.

if that feels too risky for you , pick one of those from the link above. We lived in Germany, all the best discoveries came from what ever regional specialities were offered. For example, strawberry cake is delicious but usually only available in strawberry season. Enjoy.

If you’re anywhere near Zug (between Zurich and Lucerne on a beautiful lake with gorgeous views of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus and mountains beyond…..)

you absolutely must try their ‘Zuger Kirschorte’ - it’s fabulous!

It’s got loads of cherry brandy in it and made with almond flour. (Google it for photos) :) It might be nice alternative to a birthday cake. Lots of bakeries and cafes selling them in Zug.

Hmm - I adore Zugerkirschtorte but it divides opinion - I wouldn’t go for that as a birthday cake de novo

Here are some optios:
Biscuittorte
Sandkuchen
Frankfurter Kranz
Bienenstich
None of the above have anything to do with chocolate
You could also try Apfelstreuselkuchen or an Obsttorte

Here are some optios:
Biscuittorte
Sandkuchen
Frankfurter Kranz
Bienenstich
None of the above have anything to do with chocolate
You could also try Apfelstreuselkuchen or an Obsttorte

I might have to make the Solothurner Nusstorte from the Helvetic kitchen link this weekend.

Brilliant - thanks so much for your help, everyone! It’s very much appreciated.

I’d throw it to them to give you a local specialty? Or ask for a selection of local mini cakes/tartes?

Nusstorte is rather delicious. More of a tarte than a cake.

The Solothurner Nusstorte consists of a few layers of Japonais and buttercream but my Mum used to make Nusstorte that was more a tarte, with a shortcrust pastry case and a filling of walnuts, butter and honey (or sugar, not sure), delicious but not easy on your teeth.

@Igneococcus ah yes, then I have only known your mum’s style. A bit like a pecan pie but with walnuts. YUM.

Yes, I think it's called an Engadiner Nusstorte, so good.