German Apple Cake Recipe

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Why You’ll Love This German Apple Cake Recipe

Why should you try this German Apple Cake recipe? Well, I can’t get enough of its delightful blend of flavors and textures. The buttery crust cradles tender apples, and the creamy filling adds a luxurious touch. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet afternoon treat. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! I love how the apricot glaze gives it a beautiful finish that impresses guests. Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it plain, this cake is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it’s in mine.

Ingredients of German Apple Cake

When it comes to baking a delightful German Apple Cake, gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success. This cake isn’t only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With a buttery crust and a creamy filling topped with tender apples, it’s a comforting dessert that evokes warmth and nostalgia.

If you’ve got a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon in mind, this cake will surely impress. Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness.

Ingredients for German Apple Cake:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups butter or 2 cups margarine, softened
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4-5 large baking apples
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • Cinnamon-sugar mixture (to taste)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 large eggs (for filling)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves

Now, before you plunge into baking, a few considerations about the ingredients can make a big difference. Choosing the right apples is essential; you want those that are firm and tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, because they hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.

And speaking of sweetness, feel free to adjust the sugar levels in the breadcrumbs or the filling to your taste. I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar over the top because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of spice?

Also, remember to let your butter sit out a bit to soften; trying to mix cold butter is a workout I wasn’t prepared for.

How to Make German Apple Cake

cozy culinary apple adventure

Making a German Apple Cake is like starting a cozy culinary adventure. First off, grab your 1 cup of granulated sugar**, 1 **large egg**, 2 cups of softened butter or margarine, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour**. In a large bowl, mix those ingredients until they resemble crumbs — think of it as forming a sandy beach, but instead of sand, we want a crumbly dough. It’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun, right?

Once you’ve got that crumbly texture, cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps it firm up, making it easier to work with later. While you’re waiting, you might want to sneak a snack, perhaps an apple to get in the spirit.

Now, when your dough is nice and chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter a 9-inch springform pan**** and sprinkle some flour to prevent sticking — yes, the last thing you want is your masterpiece glued to the pan.

Take about half of your dough and press it into the bottom of the pan, reaching halfway up the sides. Next comes the fun part: prepare 4-5 large baking apples**. Peel, core, and cut** them in half lengthwise, then create those cute little v-shaped strips to make them look fancy. Arrange the apples, rounded sides up, on top of the crumbs like you’re assembling a fruity army. Don’t worry if it looks a little chaotic; it’s all going to bake together beautifully.

In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this creamy goodness over your apple arrangement, then send it to the oven for a good 60-90 minutes. Just keep an eye on it — the apples should be tender, and the filling should be set.

Once it’s out and cooling, you can warm up 1/2 cup of apricot preserves** in a small saucepan and brush it over the top for a shiny glaze that screams “look at me, I’m delicious!” After it cools completely, you can finally remove it from the pan. Trust me, every slice is worth the wait, and you’ll be the star of any gathering. Just be prepared for everyone to ask for your secret recipe — but you can always just smile and say, “It’s German magic**.”

German Apple Cake Substitutions & Variations

After you’ve mastered the classic German Apple Cake, you might feel inspired to experiment a little. You can swap out the apples for pears or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose can add a nutty taste and extra nutrition. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substituting almond milk for heavy cream works well.

For a spicier kick, try adding nutmeg or ginger to the batter. And don’t forget about the toppings—crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate your cake to the next level.

Enjoy the process!

What to Serve with German Apple Cake

What pairs perfectly with a slice of warm German Apple Cake? I love serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that creamy contrast.

Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top to elevate the sweetness. If I’m feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill.

For a revitalizing twist, I might brew a cup of spiced chai or cinnamon tea. The warmth from the spices complements the cake beautifully.

Each option enhances the flavors, making every bite even more enjoyable. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with these accompaniments!

Additional Tips & Notes

Although the German Apple Cake is delicious on its own, there are a few tips that can enhance your baking experience.

First, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.

Don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they help absorb excess moisture.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar on top before baking.

If you want a richer taste, add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream mixture.

Letting the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan guarantees a cleaner slice.

Finally, enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s heavenly!