Zelten is a traditional Christmas cake from the Trentino Alto Adige region. It is a rich, tasty cake made with a dough that is stuffed with lots of marinated fruits and nuts, and decorated with walnuts and almonds on top. The recipe varies from one family to another, but the basic ingredients are flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and baking powder for the dough, and candied fruits and nuts for the filling.

This sweet fruitcake pairs well with a cup of tea or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato or Vin Santo. Its name is believed to have been derived from the German word Selten, which means seldom, as this cake is made only for special occasions.

In the past, zelten was traditionally prepared on December 21, then left to rest until January 6, the day of the Epiphany, when it was eaten. Today, it is prepared during the Advent period and before Christmas Eve. Just like other Italian Christmas cakes, zelten also makes a perfect holiday gift for friends and family.