Apfelkuchen (Germany)

Apfelkuchen (Germany)

Apfelkuchen, or German Apple Cake, is a beloved dessert that showcases the rich flavors of apples, cinnamon, and butter. This traditional cake is often found in German households, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak.

It’s the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon tea or a family gathering. With its tender cake base, a layer of juicy apples, and a deliciously crumbly topping, Apfelkuchen is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—made with basic ingredients but delivering a comforting, flavorful experience.

The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and buttery cake creates a mouthwatering dessert that is as easy to make as it is satisfying. This recipe uses a straightforward approach to create a perfectly balanced Apfelkuchen with a tender, moist texture and a light sweetness.

Ingredients

This recipe yields one 9-inch cake, about 10-12 servings.

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Apple Layer:

• 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping (Optional but recommended):

• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Apfelkuchen 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly into even wedges. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, but a sharp knife will work as well.

Toss the apple slices in a bowl with the lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. This helps the apples retain their flavor while also giving them a light syrupy coating that will bake up into a flavorful, juicy layer. Set aside to let the apples marinate while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they are added to the wet ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry if it’s a bit thick—it will spread out more as the apples are added on top.

Arrange the marinated apple slices over the batter, layering them evenly in a circular pattern, starting from the outside and working inwards. You can overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs. The size of the crumbs should be uneven, which will create a lovely texture once baked.

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples and batter, ensuring that it covers most of the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Apfelkuchen

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (except for some apple juices). The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Chef’s Notes

Apple Selection: The type of apples you use can affect the flavor and texture of your Apfelkuchen. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while sweeter varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp offer a milder flavor. A mix of both tart and sweet apples is ideal.

Serving Suggestions: Apfelkuchen is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead: Apfelkuchen can be baked a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap. It stays moist and flavorful and is perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or celebrations.

Vegan Option: You can make this cake vegan by replacing the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) and using a dairy-free butter substitute. Additionally, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version of Apfelkuchen.

Storage: Leftover Apfelkuchen can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat the cake slightly in the oven or microwave before serving to enhance its flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugars: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Vitamin A: 8% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 5% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 2% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4% of Daily Value

Final Thoughts

Apfelkuchen is a timeless German dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with the richness of a buttery cake. The crumbly topping adds an extra layer of texture, making each bite a perfect balance of moist cake, tender apples, and a hint of spice.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply as an afternoon treat, this German apple cake is sure to impress with its deliciously warm flavors and beautiful presentation.

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