Growing up in a German-American household, fall always smelled like cinnamon, baked apples, and sugar. And nothing said Herbst (autumn) quite like my Oma’s Apfelkuchen—moist, soft, and absolutely full of tender apple slices.
This German Apple Cake is a simple one-bowl recipe that comes together in under an hour and requires no mixer. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite or looking for the perfect fall dessert to serve with coffee, this classic Apfelkuchen never disappoints.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
- ✅ Moist and dense, with tender baked apples in every bite
- ✅ No fancy tools—just a bowl, spoon, and your favorite cake pan
- ✅ Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or cozy evenings
- ✅ Easily adaptable (make it gluten-free or dairy-free!)
- ✅ Just sweet enough—pairs beautifully with tea or coffee
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- Apples: Granny Smith for tartness; Gala or Fuji for sweetness
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if needed
- Oil: Sub with melted coconut oil or butter
- Add-ins: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins for texture
👩🍳 How to Make German Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or springform pan.
Step 2: Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 4: Add oil and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
Step 6: Fold in apple slices. Batter will be thick.
Step 7: Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange a few extra apple slices on top if desired.
Step 8: Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
Moist German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Servings: 8–10 | Category: Dessert | Cuisine: German
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pan.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Add oil and vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in apples.
- Pour into pan and bake 45–55 minutes. Cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes: Use tart apples for best flavor. Store at room temp or refrigerate up to 5 days.
🔍 Expert Tips for the Perfect Cake
- 🍏 Use 2 apple varieties for better flavor
- 🧁 Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until smooth
- 🎂 Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
- ❄️ Serve warm or chilled—it’s delicious both ways
- 🍨 Add a scoop of ice cream for a show-stopping dessert
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
What apples work best? Granny Smith (tart), Honeycrisp (sweet-crisp), or a mix are ideal for balance.
Can I freeze German Apple Cake? Absolutely! Slice, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make it vegan? Yes, use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) and plant-based oil.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- With coffee for a cozy brunch or afternoon snack
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months
To thaw: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or let sit at room temp.
🍁 More Cozy Apple Recipes to Try
- Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
- Spiced Apple Cider Bundt Cake
- Easy Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
💬 Let’s Chat!
Have you ever had Apfelkuchen before? Let me know if you try this recipe—drop a comment below, leave a rating, or share your own twist! 💬👇 Don’t forget to Pin it and follow for more cozy desserts! 📌✨
📌 Save This Recipe For Later!
