A Winter Wonder: The Magic of Germany’s Molehill Cake—Reimagined as a Winter Dome Cake with Cinnamon Plums

There are desserts that comfort, and desserts that dazzle. And then there are desserts that feel like stepping into a fairytale—warm spice in the air, winter fruit simmering on the stove, whipped cream drifting like snowdrifts, and chocolate crumbs resembling a freshly turned mound of earth.

If you’ve spent any time in Germany, you may already be familiar with the beloved Maulwurfkuchen—the classic “molehill cake” that looks like a little mole has just tunneled beneath your kitchen table. It’s whimsical, nostalgic, and a staple at children’s birthday parties across the country. Even supermarkets stock it as a ready-made boxed mix.

But the cake we’re making today is no ordinary molehill cake.

It’s its elegant winter cousin—The Winter Dome Cake with Cinnamon Plums—a cozy, Christmassy makeover of a German classic. Think of it as the moment when a humble molehill is transformed into a shimmering snow globe of flavor. A chocolate cake base. Spiced fruit. Clouds of vanilla-cinnamon whipped cream. And a crown of chocolate cake crumbs that mimic a soft winter hill.

It looks spectacular, tastes incredible, and brings together all the aromas of the holiday season. Make it for Christmas, Advent, or anytime December needs a little magic.

Below is the recipe exactly as given—simple, warm, and deeply delicious.

Photo by Karola G: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-cutting-a-chocolate-cake-6032741/

Winter Dome Cake with Cinnamon Plums

A cozy winter cake filled with cinnamon, chocolate, spiced plums, and whipped cream—the perfect treat for Christmas.

Photo by Karola G: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chocolate-cake-and-candles-on-christmas-decorated-table-6032737/

Ingredients

For the cinnamon plums:

21 oz. (600g) plums, pitted & quartered
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. water

For the cake batter:

1/2 cup (120g) butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
3 medium eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. speculoos spice*
1 pinch of salt
5 tbsp. milk
2.1 oz. (60g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

For the filling:

21 oz. (600g) heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
0.7 oz. (20g) cream stiffener (optional, depending on strength)
1.8 oz. (50g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 speculoos cookies, crumbled

Instructions

1. Prepare the cinnamon plums.

Wash, pit, and quarter the plums. Place them in a non-stick pan with sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and water. Heat gently and let simmer until the plums soften and the sugar caramelizes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Tip: Prepare them a day ahead for deeper flavor.

2. Bake the cake base.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9.5-inch (24cm) springform pan with baking parchment and lightly grease it.

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well. Add vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, speculoos spice, and salt. Add dry mixture along with milk and mix just until combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate.

Pour into the pan, smooth the top, and bake 24–26 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

3. Make the whipped-cream filling.

Whip cold heavy cream with vanilla and cinnamon. When frothy, add cream stiffener and beat until firm. Fold in chopped chocolate and speculoos crumbs.

4. Assemble your winter dome.

Cut off the domed top of the cake, leaving a flat layer at least 0.4 in. (1 cm) thick. Crumble the removed cake into fine crumbs.

Spread the cinnamon plums over the cake layer, leaving a border around the edge. Spoon the whipped cream on top, shaping it into a smooth dome that covers all the fruit.

Sprinkle cake crumbs over the entire dome and gently press into the cream so they stick. Decorate with winter biscuits for an extra festive touch if you like.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Photo by Karola G: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chocolate-cake-on-green-round-plate-6032704/

Why You’ll Love It

This cake tastes like winter evenings wrapped in a blanket.
The cinnamon plums are silky and aromatic.
The chocolate cake adds depth and warmth.
And the whipped cream dome? Pure holiday magic.

Serve it at your Christmas dinner, bring it to a holiday party, or enjoy it on a quiet December night with a cup of tea or coffee. One bite and you’ll understand why Germans cherish this whimsical dessert—and why this winter version might become your new seasonal ritual.