German Apple Cake - Apfelkuchen

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German Apple Cake - Apfelkuchen

Experience the exquisite taste of an old-fashioned German Apple Cake, or "Apfelkuchen." This delightful cake harmoniously blends the moist, tender crumb of a perfectly baked cake with the sweet and tart essence of juicy apples, all beautifully accented by a hint of cinnamon. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor, making it a cherished treat for cozy family gatherings or festive occasions.

Prep Time20

Cook Time45

Total Time1 5

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: German

Keyword: Apfelkuchen, German Apple Cake, German Cuisine, Traditional Desserts

Servings: servings

Calories: 525kcal

Equipment

9-inch round cake pan

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
½ cup Granulated Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
½ cup Unsalted Butter softened
2 large Eggs
½ cup Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
4 medium tart Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp. Powdered Sugar (optional), for garnish

For the Streusel Topping:

1 cup All-Purpose Flour
½ cup Granulated Sugar
½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Salt
6 tbsp. Cold Unsalted Butter cut into pieces

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

For the Cake:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
2 cups All-Purpose Flour, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, 2 tsp. Baking Powder, ½ tsp. Salt, 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2 large Eggs, ½ cup Milk, 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract, ½ cup Unsalted Butter
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter.
4 medium tart Apples
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.

For the Streusel Topping:

In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
1 cup All-Purpose Flour, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, ½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon, ¼ tsp. Salt
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6 tbsp. Cold Unsalted Butter
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Bake the Cake:

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:

Garnish with powdered sugar.
2 tbsp. Powdered Sugar
Slice the cooled German Apple Cake into wedges and serve. It pairs delightfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Notes

Tips and Tricks:

Apple Choice: Choose a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a delightful contrast to the sweet cake.
Testing Doneness: The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Variations:

Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the cake before baking for an extra crunch.
Spice It Up: Incorporate ground nutmeg or allspice into the batter to enhance the flavor profile.
Serve with a Topping: While this cake is delicious on its own, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Experience the warmth and comfort of traditional German baking with this timeless Apfelkuchen recipe. Each slice promises a delightful mix of tender cake and flavorful apples, making it a favorite to be enjoyed time and time again. Guten Appetit!

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