German Apple Cake is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples with a soft, buttery dough. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm touch, making it a comforting choice during the cooler months. Crafting this cake is simple, and the result is a delicious dish that brings a taste of Germany to your home.
Ingredients:
- 7 apples (about 1.5 kg)
- 7 g active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons)
- 125 ml lukewarm whole milk (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch salt
- 800 g flour (about 6.5 cups)
- 230 g sugar (about 1.2 cups)
- 290 g cubed butter (about 10.2 ounces)
- 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 40 g ground almonds (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 package vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- Butter for greasing
- Flour for dusting
Directions:
- Mix the yeast and lukewarm milk in a bowl. Cover it and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, salt, some flour, sugar, and cubed butter with the yeast mixture. Mix well to form a dough. Cover it and let it rise for 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, peel, core, and slice the apples. Place the sliced apples in a bowl and sprinkle them with lemon juice and zest to keep them fresh.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and some sugar. Grease a baking sheet or pan with butter and dust it with flour.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. Roll the dough out to fit the baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Spread the ground almonds on top of the dough. Layer the sliced apples over the almonds and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- To make the crumble, combine the remaining flour, sugar, cubed butter, and vanilla sugar in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix until large crumbles form. Evenly spread these crumbles over the apples.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Allow the cake to cool before cutting and serving.
How to serve German Apple Cake
Serve German Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy it with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful treat any time of day. This cake also stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or a day later, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.