Name: German Apple Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 12-16 servings
Ingredients: 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 120ml (1/2 cup) milk; 500g (about 4 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 100g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar; 50g (1/4 cup) packed light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt

German apple cake, or Apfelkuchen as it's known in Germany, is a dessert that whispers of cozy autumn afternoons and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tender cake, studded with sweet, slightly tart apples, and topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. It's a simple pleasure, yet utterly irresistible, and I'm thrilled to share my family's cherished recipe with you!

This delightful cake has deep roots in German baking tradition, often enjoyed during harvest festivals and family gatherings. Passed down through generations, each family seems to have their own unique twist on the classic recipe. What makes German apple cake so universally loved? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apples provide a natural sweetness and moisture, while the cake itself is light and airy. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth, creating a truly comforting and satisfying treat.

Beyond its delicious taste, German apple cake is also incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, you'll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let's bake a little bit of German happiness together!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
120ml (1/2 cup) milk
500g (about 4 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
100g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
50g (1/4 cup) packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Preparing the Apples:

First, let's get those apples ready! Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. I like to aim for pieces that are about 1/2 inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly throughout the cake.
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice and cinnamon. The lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning and the cinnamon will add a lovely warm flavor. Mix well to coat all the apple pieces. Set aside.

Making the Streusel Topping:

Now, for the streusel! This is what gives the cake that wonderful crunchy topping. In a medium bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, so work quickly! If the butter gets too soft, the streusel will become greasy.
Once you have a crumbly mixture, set the streusel aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. This will help the butter stay cold and prevent the streusel from melting during baking.

Preparing the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cake after baking.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Beat in the vanilla extract.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
Gently fold in the apple mixture. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Assembling and Baking the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Remove the streusel topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect German Apple Cake:

Apple Variety: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture. I like to use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Cold Butter is Key: For the streusel topping, make sure the butter is cold. This will create those lovely coarse crumbs that give the streusel its signature texture.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will prevent it from crumbling.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

Serving Suggestions:

This German Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but it's also wonderful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. It's the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Variations:

Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Raisins: Soak 1/2 cup of raisins in rum or apple juice for 30 minutes, then drain and add them to the batter along with the apples.
Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom, to customize the flavor of the cake.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness.

Troubleshooting:

Cake is Dry: Make sure you're not overbaking the cake. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer. If the cake is still dry, try adding a little more milk to the batter next time.
Streusel is Soggy: Make sure the butter in the streusel is cold. Also, avoid overfilling the pan with batter, as this can prevent the streusel from crisping up properly.
Cake is Sinking: This can be caused by overmixing the batter or using too much leavening. Make sure to mix until just combined and measure the baking powder and baking soda accurately.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for German Apple Cake! It's a classic for a reason – it's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This German Apple Cake isn't just a recipe; it's an experience, a warm hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes to the moist, apple-studded crumb that melts in your mouth, every element of this cake screams "delicious!" I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves baking, apples, or simply indulging in a comforting treat. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it a winner in my book, and I'm confident it will be in yours too. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I adore it served warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the possibilities are endless. For a more decadent experience, try drizzling it with a homemade caramel sauce or a rich cream cheese frosting. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant finish. Looking for variations? Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth. You could also incorporate other fruits like pears or cranberries for a unique twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try soaking the apples in a bit of rum or brandy before adding them to the batter for an adult-friendly version. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. No matter how you choose to customize it, I'm sure you'll create a German Apple Cake that's perfectly suited to your taste. This recipe is more than just instructions; it's an invitation to create memories. Imagine sharing a slice with loved ones on a cozy afternoon, the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the air. Picture yourself bringing this cake to a potluck or holiday gathering, where it's sure to be the star of the dessert table. This cake is perfect for any occasion, big or small, and it's guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face. I've poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I'm so excited for you to try it. I truly believe that baking is a form of love, and I hope this cake brings you as much joy to bake as it brings to eat. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious German Apple Cake you've ever tasted. And please, don't be shy! I'd love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of apple cake lovers! I can't wait to see what you create! Happy baking!