The origins of this word are obscure. Wikipedia lists six alternative spellings: kugelhupf, guglhupf, gugelhopf, kouglof, kougelhof, and kougelhopf (the last three used in France).
On Europe Day (9 May) 2006, during Austria's presidency, cafés in the capitals of the 25 EU member states, and the two that would be joining in 2007, celebrated European café culture with something called Café Europe. As part of this initiative, each state was represented by a characteristic sweet or cake. Gugelhupf was chosen to represent Austria.
The UK was represented by shortcake, and Ireland by scones. Other selections included waffles (Belgium), Danish pastry, madeleines (France) and tiramisù (Italy).
© Haydn Thompson 2020