In the 19th century, gifting the confection was a way to show affection. Heidelberg was a thriving university town where sons of nobility and the rising industrialist class went to further their education.
At the same time, young ladies of marriageable age flocked to this city to attend finishing schools, all while being on the lookout for a suitable husband. The girls were attending finishing school, then finding a husband, then getting married. It was also a popular gathering spot for students because of its ties to Vandalia, a German fraternity. Dating in the 19th century had strict rules and regulations. In the courting process, a young man would order a piece of cake for the young lady he fancied.
He would give it to her or have it given to her governess, or private tutor, for approval. This is when the Studentenkuss was born.
Instead, he surprised them one day with the fine chocolate confection, which allowed the boys and girls to message each other discreetly. Once at home, the girl would find the message. If she fancied the guy, the woman might pretend to drop her handkerchief on the street so that he would pick it up, and they could exchange words.
Sadly, with the death of Anita and with Liselotte getting older, Stutzenberger has taken over the responsibility of day-to-day sales. Liselotte, who is 70 years old, still runs the business in the background, though. Even today, they make the Studentenkuss according to the original recipe from , and by hand. Made fresh several times a week, the Student Kiss is a praline mixture consisting of truffle-nougat-noisette cream on a fine wafer crisp and then covered with dark chocolate.
