How to make delicious German apple cake

German Apple Cake (often called “Apfelkuchen”) is a classic, flavorful dessert that combines tender apples with a rich, buttery cake. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious treat!

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
4-5 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn work well)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Topping (optional but adds extra flavor):

2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

¼ cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk (or lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or chunks.
Optional: Toss the apples with lemon zest and a tablespoon of sugar if you like a bit of added sweetness.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or a springform pan.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).

3. Assemble the Cake:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly.
Add the sliced apples on top of the batter, spreading them out evenly. Then, spoon the remaining batter over the apples and smooth it out.
Optionally, you can sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping on top to give the cake an extra flavor boost.

4. Bake the Cake:

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the apples tender.

5. Cool the Cake:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

6. Optional Glaze:

If you want to glaze the cake, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips:

Apple Variety: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will give the cake a great balance of flavor.
Texture: If you prefer a fluffier cake, you can separate the eggs, whip the egg whites, and fold them into the batter gently at the end.
Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or even raisins to the batter.

How long does German apple cake last

German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen) can last for several days, and how long it stays fresh depends on how it’s stored:

At Room Temperature:

If stored properly in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, the cake can last 3-4 days at room temperature.
To maintain the cake’s moisture and prevent it from drying out, make sure it’s sealed tightly.

In the Refrigerator:

If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to avoid it drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Freezing:

You can also freeze the German Apple Cake to keep it for longer. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
The cake can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To thaw, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or reheat it in the oven to bring back its texture.

For the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy the cake within the first few days, especially since the apples in the cake can cause it to soften over time.

What to serve with German apple cake

German Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with certain sides can elevate the experience even more. Here are some great options to serve with your German Apple Cake:

1. Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the spiced and moist cake. You can lightly sweeten it with powdered sugar and vanilla for extra flavor.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with apple desserts. The cold and creamy texture complements the warm, spiced apple cake perfectly.

3. Custard

Vanilla custard (or Crème Anglaise) is a rich, velvety addition. Pour it over the cake for a decadent touch.

4. Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce or butter toffee sauce drizzled over the cake adds a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.

5. Greek Yogurt

For a lighter, tangy option, serve the cake with a side of Greek yogurt. It adds a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the apple cake.

6. Coffee or Tea

German Apple Cake is often served with a cup of coffee or tea in Germany. Black coffee, latte, or a cup of Earl Grey tea work well with the flavors of the cake.

7. Ice Cream Floats

For a fun twist, you can serve it with a root beer float or an apple cider float. The fizzy drink paired with cake and ice cream creates a unique dessert experience.

8. Cinnamon Sugar or Powdered Sugar

Lightly dusting the cake with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar can enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of sweetness on top.

9. Pecan or Almonds

Toasted pecans or sliced almonds sprinkled on top can add a nice crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake.

10. Fresh Berries

Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can be a refreshing contrast to the rich apple flavor of the cake. Serve them on the side or scatter them on top.

These sides can make your German Apple Cake feel like a full, delightful dessert experience, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying it with a casual cup of coffee!

Conclusion:

This German Apple Cake is deliciously moist, packed with apple flavor, and perfect for any occasion!