Making baumkuchen -- a German specialty cake -- is both an art and science. Here, Paul Gauweiler pours batter into a baumkuchen machine at the Cake Box in Huntington Beach. The machine is one of only three existing baumkuchen ovens in the U.S. What follows is a behind-the-scenes look at Gauweiler and his wife, Irene, at work. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Little by little, more batter is layered on, creating the cake’s unique look. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Paul Gauweiler uses brushes to space rings and make grooves in the cake. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Paul and Irene Gauweiler at the baumkuchen machine at the Cake Box in Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Paul Gauweiler sits -- on a bucket -- and watches each of the five or six layers of his baumkuchen cake cook. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Once the cake has cooled, Paul Gauweiler brushes on apricot glaze to seal in moisture and add flavor. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The cake cooks, and then sits overnight to cool before it is glazed with white icing or coated in a thin layer of chocolate. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A closer look. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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The interior of a baumkuchen cake. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A finished baumkuchen cake. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Irene Gauweiler puts the finishing touches on a baumkuchen. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Paul and Irene Gauweiler show off their handiwork: a finished baumkuchen cake covered with chocolate at the Cake Box in Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
