German Apple Cake

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German Apple Cake

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house, isn’t there? For me, this German Apple Cake—Apfelkuchen—is more than just a dessert. It’s comfort on a plate, a nostalgic hug that takes me back to cozy weekends with my family. I first discovered this recipe when I wanted to introduce my kids to a little piece of my German heritage. With its buttery, tender crumb and juicy apple slices baked to perfection, it quickly became a household favorite.

One afternoon, I made this on a whim while trying to use up a surplus of apples from a local orchard. As the cake baked, the entire house smelled heavenly, and by the time it hit the table, my kids were circling like hungry little wolves. After just one bite, my husband declared it “dangerously good” and insisted we add it to our holiday tradition lineup. Over the years, I’ve made it for countless occasions—family dinners, bake sales, or just to brighten up a busy weekday.

What I adore about this recipe is how deceptively simple it is to make. It’s indulgent yet unpretentious, perfect for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned homemade treat. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of heaven. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today because it’s not just a cake—it’s a way to bring smiles to your table.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! I recommend firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Do I need a springform pan?
While it’s ideal for easy removal, a regular 9-inch round pan works just as well—just grease it well and line with parchment paper.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What You Need to Make German Apple Cake:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup milk

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment

Mixing bowls

Hand or stand mixer

9-inch springform pan (or regular round pan)

Parchment paper

A sharp knife or mandoline for slicing apples

How to Make It:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch pan with parchment paper.

Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until smooth.

Arrange the Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer the apple slices over the batter in a circular pattern. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the ground cinnamon with a tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle it evenly over the cake.

Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips:

Choose fresh apples: The fresher your apples, the better the flavor and texture.

Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar topping: It creates a lovely caramelized crust.

Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly.

For extra moisture: Add a dollop of sour cream to the batter.

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is a game-changer! My kids loved it, and it disappeared in one sitting. Definitely making it again!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and easy to follow, though next time I’ll use less cinnamon. My husband loved it!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a family gathering. Served it with whipped cream, and everyone asked for seconds!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but I’ll try a bit more sugar in the batter next time for extra sweetness.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Simple yet so impressive. Made it for a potluck, and everyone wanted the recipe!”

Printable Recipe:

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If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

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