German Apple Cake

German Apple Cake, or Apfelkuchen, is a classic dessert that has been passed down through generations. It’s a delightful combination of soft, moist cake, juicy apples, and a touch of cinnamon and sugar, which makes it perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall months. This traditional cake is rich, comforting, and easy to make, whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make a delicious German Apple Cake from scratch. The cake is beautifully spiced, and the apples provide a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

 German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes

Baking Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn are great options)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into two parts)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and Slice the Apples: Begin by peeling the apples, then slice them into thin wedges or small cubes. You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor, but make sure the apples you choose hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp.
2. Toss with Cinnamon and Sugar: Place the sliced apples in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, then toss the apples to coat them evenly. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round springform pan or a standard cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

8. Combine the Apples and Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Place half of the prepared apple slices or chunks on top of the batter. Then, add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it out gently. Finally, arrange the remaining apples on the top of the batter.
9. Add a Sprinkle of Sugar: If you’d like an extra bit of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the top of the apples before baking. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

10. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs). Depending on your oven, the cake may need an additional 5 minutes, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

11. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is fully cooled, dust it with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. This step adds a pretty touch and a slight sweetness.
13. Serve: Slice the cake and serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this warm and comforting German Apple Cake with family and friends!

Tips for Success:

• Apple Varieties: The type of apples you use can affect the flavor and texture of the cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape better during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work well if you prefer a sweeter cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Add a Streusel Topping: If you love crumbly toppings, you can sprinkle a simple streusel topping made of butter, sugar, and flour on top of the apples before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: German Apple Cake is often enjoyed with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a firmer texture, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 6%

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and based on standard ingredients. The actual nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.)

Why You’ll Love This German Apple Cake:

• Warm and Comforting: This cake is perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings. The combination of spiced cake and tart apples provides a cozy, comforting treat for everyone to enjoy.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this cake at any time of day – as a morning treat with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert after dinner. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Easy to Make: Unlike some cakes, this recipe is simple and straightforward. Even beginner bakers can make this delicious cake with ease.
• Tradition in Every Bite: German Apple Cake is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries in Germany. When you bake this cake, you’re connecting with a rich culinary tradition while filling your home with the delightful aroma of apples and cinnamon.This German Apple Cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a tender, spiced cake base that complements the apples wonderfully. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a homemade dessert, this cake will surely become a favorite!