Holiday pastries in the test: Dresdner-Stollen wins the race

It's probably more than just a rumor that more sweets are eaten around Christmas than during the rest of the year.

Holiday pastries in the test: Dresdner-Stollen wins the race

It's probably more than just a rumor that more sweets are eaten around Christmas than during the rest of the year. And Christmas stollen should have a not inconsiderable part in it. Warentest has nibbled and reveals where sin is worthwhile.

Stollen has been part of Christmas for centuries. But before it is touched on, a bit of disillusionment. Because cleats are not for the slim figure. The Dresdner-Stollen has around 420 calories per 100 grams, and marzipan stollen has an average of 400 calories.

The Stiftung Warentest still enjoys it and tasted 18 Stollen - including four with marzipan filling. At prices from 4 to 30 euros per kilogram. All are artisanally made according to traditional recipes and contain raisins, four of which are also filled with marzipan. Stollen with raisins have a longer shelf life than without and are therefore also available earlier in the year. However, the taste and the declaration are decisive for the quality assessment.

Basically, Stollen should have a balanced taste of raisins, orange peel and lemon peel. Notes of rum, almond or vanilla can round it all off. The crumb, as the inside of baked goods is called, must be strong, fluffy and rather crumbly. As far as the yardstick.

And the result? Pollutants are not a major concern for any of the products tested. Seven were found to be "good". The Dresdner is one of the best-known stollen. He has precise specifications that regulate the quantity, type of ingredients and place of manufacture. The Saxon cultural assets are convincing, all five Dresdeners achieve a good quality rating. The test winner is the "Dr. Quendts Dresdner Christstollen" and at 9 euros per kilogram it is also the cheapest among the good ones ("good", grade 1.7). The "Echte Dresdner Christstollen" from the Café Eckert bakery is also comparatively cheap for 15.50 euros ("good", 2.1). The "Dresden vintage stollen" from the organic bakery Spiegelhauer only contains ingredients from organic farming. It is also "good" (2.2) and available for 30 euros. When it came to the marzipan stollen, von Bahlsen was able to convince with a good grade. (2.5, 10.80 euros).

The "Norma Goldora Edelmarzipan-Stollen" is one of the two test losers with "sufficient" (3.80 euros). Its structure is slightly elastic and is more reminiscent of bread. In addition, it does not bring any fullness of aroma. In the case of the "Premium Butterstollen" from the Bärenhecke bakery, on the other hand, an insufficient declaration means that the test result is only sufficient (both grades 3.8).