There’s something special about Easy German Apple Cake that makes it a household favorite. This delightful dessert brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with a moist, buttery cake that’s simply irresistible. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee. People are raving about this cake right now, especially as apple season rolls in, making it a timely delight for all apple lovers!
What Goes Into This Easy German Apple Cake
- 250 grams (1 cup) butter
- 250 grams (1 ¼ cups) sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 lemon (zest for the batter, juice for the apple slices)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 400 grams (3 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 5 apples (any variety you enjoy)
- 60 grams (½ cup) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 40 grams (3 tablespoons) cold butter, cut into pieces (for streusel)
- 30 grams (¼ cup) sugar (for streusel)
- 30 grams (¼ cup) sliced almonds (adds crunch to the streusel)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for extra flavor)
How to Make Easy German Apple Cake
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Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Prepare a 17 x 11 inch (about 43 x 28 cm) baking pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Butter the sides. If you’re out of parchment paper, butter the pan and dust it with flour.
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Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes until it’s fluffy. Gradually mix in the eggs, lemon zest, and salt. In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then combine with the wet mixture. Finally, add milk to get a smooth batter.
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Prep the apples: Wash your apples, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. You can leave the skin on or peel them as per your preference. Slice the apples into ½ inch thick slices (about 1 cm). Toss the slices in the reserved lemon juice to keep them from browning.
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Assemble the cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Arrange the apple slices on top in neat rows.
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Make the streusel: In a bowl, mix the flour, almonds, cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon with an electric mixer until crumbly. Finish by lightly working the mixture with your hands to form it into streusel crumbs. Keep this cool until you need it.
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Add the streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the arranged apple slices. If you want to keep the apples more visible, you can just add the streusel between the apple rows.
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Bake for 32 minutes on the middle rack. Check if the cake is done by using an instant-read thermometer; it should read around 210°F (99°C). Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Why Everyone Is Loving This Easy German Apple Cake
This recipe is trending now for several reasons. First, with the arrival of fall, many people are searching for ways to showcase fresh apples. Plus, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, making it delightful for those cozy evenings. It’s also easy to make, so you can whip it up even on a busy day. The combination of the fluffy cake, the juicy apples, and the crunchy streusel topping keeps everyone wanting more!
How to Serve Easy German Apple Cake
This cake is versatile — perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner! It pairs well with a dollop of fresh whipped cream (with a touch of vanilla for extra flavor) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it plain, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Expert Tips for Easy German Apple Cake
- Storing: If there’s leftover cake (which there likely won’t be!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week.
- Flavor variations: Try adding nuts or switching up the spices with allspice or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Serving options: This cake can also be served warm from the oven or at room temperature. It’s delicious either way!
Easy German Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite apples. Sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala work well, while tart apples like Granny Smith can add a nice zing.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead and let it sit covered at room temperature.
How can I make the streusel extra crunchy?
Adding sliced almonds to the streusel gives it that delightful crunch and enhances the flavor at the same time.
Is this cake good for freezing?
Yes! This cake freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
I hope you find joy in making and sharing this Easy German Apple Cake at home! It’s a comforting treat that brings smiles to everyone around the table. So roll up your sleeves and get baking!
Easy German Apple Cake
A delightful dessert combining sweet and tart apples with a moist, buttery cake, perfect for any occasion.
For the cake batter
- 250 grams butter (softened)
- 250 grams sugar
- 4 pieces eggs
- 1 piece lemon (zest for the batter, juice for the apple slices)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 400 grams all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 60 ml milk
For the apples
- 5 pieces apples (any variety you enjoy)
For the streusel topping
- 60 grams all-purpose flour
- 40 grams cold butter (cut into pieces)
- 30 grams sugar
- 30 grams sliced almonds (adds crunch to the streusel)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for extra flavor)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Prepare a 17 x 11 inch (about 43 x 28 cm) baking pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and buttering the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes until fluffy. Gradually mix in the eggs, lemon zest, and salt.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then combine with the wet mixture. Finally, add milk to get a smooth batter.
- Wash the apples, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. Slice the apples into ½ inch thick slices and toss them in reserved lemon juice.
Assembly
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and arrange the apple slices on top in neat rows.
Streusel Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the flour, almonds, cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon with an electric mixer until crumbly, then work the mixture with your hands to form streusel crumbs.
- Keep the streusel cool until needed.
Baking
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the arranged apple slices. Bake for 32 minutes on the middle rack.
- Check if the cake is done using an instant-read thermometer; it should read around 210°F (99°C). Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
If there’s leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week. You can make this cake in advance and it freezes well for up to three months.
