Delicious and Traditional German Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3-4 large apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar (for topping)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  8. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them slightly into the batter.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
  10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of flour such as whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier alternative.
  • Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Replace the apples with other fruits like peaches, pears, or berries.
  • Add a crumb topping by combining flour, sugar, and butter, and sprinkling it over the apple slices before baking.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Add spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the batter for a more flavorful cake.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine.
  • Make it a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding sliced onions, cheese, and herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter.
  • Experiment with different types of apples for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
  • Add a glaze on top of the cooled cake by mixing powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice for a sweet finishing touch.

Recipe overview

Indulge in this traditional German dessert, Apfelkuchen, that perfectly blends the flavor of sweet apples with hints of cinnamon. This recipe beautifully combines a moist, vanilla-infused cake base with a layer of fresh apple slices, topped with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The end result is a spectacularly comforting dessert that's just as perfect for a family gathering as it is for a simple weeknight treat. The preparation is straightforward and the ingredients are simple, making it an ideal dessert for bakers of all skill levels. From the moment the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen, to the last satisfying bite, you'll fall in love with this delicious Apfelkuchen recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if you don't have unsalted butter on hand. Just reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe by half.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture and taste of the cake may be slightly different.
  3. How do I know if the cake is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, then the cake is done.
  4. Can I use different types of apples? Yes, you can use your preferred variety of apples. Good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples.
  5. Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or raisins to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
  6. How should I store the leftover apple cake? Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter.
  • Electric Mixer - To cream the sugar and butter and beat in the eggs.
  • Spatula - For scraping the sides of the bowl and folding in the dry ingredients.
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pan - To bake the Apfelkuchen.
  • Knife - For peeling and slicing the apples.
  • Wire Rack - To cool the cake after baking.

Origin stories

Apfelkuchen, or apple cake, is a beloved treat that hails from Germany. Known for its apple orchards, Germany has a rich tradition of baking, especially with apples. The origins of the Apfelkuchen are believed to date back to the Middle Ages when sugar became more readily available and affordable for the general population, leading to a surge in baking. Notably, the apple cake varies by region with some variations including a shortcrust and others a sponge cake. Regardless, all variations share the same star ingredient, apples, making this a truly Germanic delight. It's often said that no two Apfelkuchens are the same, with recipes differing from family to family, each adding their unique twist to the classic recipe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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