Disney Snacks Worth Trying: EPCOT’s Baumkuchen
I’ve walked past the bakery inside EPCOT’s Connections Café more times than I can count. You know how it is, you’re on your way to grab a coffee, you glance over at the rotating ovens, and you think, “That looks good, but maybe next time.” Well, on my most recent visit, next time finally arrived; I tried EPCOT’s Baumkuchen.
What Is the Tree Cake?
The Baumkuchen (also known as Tree Cake ) is one of those desserts that feels quietly special. It originated in Germany and later became beloved in Japan, where its many layers represent prosperity and happiness. The process is fascinating to watch: thin layers of batter are brushed onto a rotating spit, baked until golden, then brushed again, over and over until 10 to 15 layers create a beautiful pattern that really does look like tree rings when sliced.
Only a handful of these rotisserie ovens exist in the United States, and one of them lives inside EPCOT’s Connections Café. It’s mesmerizing to watch the bakers at work in that open kitchen, crafting dessert after dessert as guests sip coffee nearby. There’s something so comforting about that combination of warmth, sugar, and motion; it almost feels like a show within the café. It’s the kind of simple Disney magic that catches you off guard and makes you pause for just a moment.
Ordering the Tree Cake
Connections Café doubles as EPCOT’s Starbucks location, which makes it a natural stop for a mid-day treat. You’ll find the Tree Cake available in vanilla and chocolate, each priced at $6.29. Depending on the season, EPCOT sometimes offers limited-edition flavors for festivals in the Connections Eatery (counter service) area, so keep an eye out if you’re visiting during one of those special times.
When I ordered at the café, the cast member recommended starting with the vanilla Baumkuchen. She mentioned that the chocolate version, made with dark chocolate, can be pretty rich, and since this was my first time, I decided to follow her lead.
First Bites: Vanilla vs. Chocolate
When the vanilla Tree Cake arrived, I have to admit, it wasn’t what I expected. It comes in a small to-go box rather than plated, and at first glance, it looked underwhelming. But once I cut into it, those delicate layers and light vanilla glaze won me over. The flavor was buttery, slightly sweet, and surprisingly tender, though it leaned a little dry, the kind of dessert that practically begs to be enjoyed with a hot coffee.
Later, when checking out Connections Eatery’s show kitchen, I couldn’t resist trying the fancier Food and Wine Festival chocolate version, and that’s when the wow factor really hit. It came topped with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and tiny chocolate curls, and looked almost too pretty to eat. The flavor was rich but balanced, and the ganache added a lovely smoothness. Between the two, the chocolate Baumkuchen definitely takes the crown for presentation and taste.
Final Thoughts
The Baumkuchen at Connections Eatery and Café may not be the most talked-about treat at EPCOT, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your list of Disney snacks worth trying. It’s unique, rooted in tradition, and beautifully made right in front of you. Plus, there’s something wonderful about slowing down with a coffee, finding a cozy window seat, and enjoying a dessert that feels a little bit different from your typical park fare.
If you’ve ever walked past those rotating cakes and wondered if they’re worth it, yes, they are. Go for the chocolate version if it’s available, pair it with your favorite latte, and consider your EPCOT snack time elevated. And while you’re there, take a few extra minutes to enjoy the buzz of the café, the view of Spaceship Earth through the windows, and the reminder that sometimes, the best Disney discoveries happen when you finally stop and say yes to something you’ve always walked past.
What You Need to Know
- Location: Connections Café, EPCOT
- Price: $6.29
- Flavors: Vanilla or Chocolate (seasonal options may vary in Connections Eatery)
- Pairing Suggestion: Coffee or latte
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for festival versions with seasonal toppings
Virtually join me as I try Baumkuchen for the first time below:
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