Imagine the warmth of golden apples and spice filling your kitchen as this traditional German Apfelkuchen bakes to perfection. With its soft, buttery crumb and layers of tender apples, this timeless dessert is a cozy favorite that brings a little Old-World charm to your table
Perfect for an afternoon coffee break or a cozy dessert, this cake brings a taste of German tradition straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with the sour cream, and mix just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter, slightly overlapping them. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a slice of German coziness with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
5 FAQs About German Apple Cake
1. Can I make German apple cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
2. What apples are best for German apple cake?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
3. Can I freeze German apple cake?
Absolutely. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Do I need a springform pan?
A springform pan makes removing the cake easier and keeps the sides neat, but a regular round cake pan works fine too. Just grease and line it with parchment paper for easy release.
5. How do I keep the apples from sinking?
Arranging the apple slices gently on top and slightly pressing them into the batter helps them stay in place while baking. The batter’s thickness also supports the apples well.
