The Ultimate 5-Minute Prep Apple-Loaded German Cake Recipe

I’ve been perfecting this incredibly moist apple cake recipe for years, drawing inspiration from traditional German apfelkuchen. What makes this cake extraordinary is its perfect ratio of apples to cake batter – it’s absolutely loaded with fruit! The preparation takes just 5 minutes, yet the results rival those of professional bakeries. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon tea to elegant dinner parties.

What Makes This Apple Cake Special

The secret to this cake’s success lies in its unique preparation method and generous apple-to-batter ratio. The batter envelops the apples in a delicate, custard-like embrace, while the top layer of fruit creates a beautiful pattern that caramelizes slightly during baking. The result is a perfectly balanced cake that’s moist, flavorful, and not too sweet.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 100ml (⅓ cup + 1½ tablespoons) whole milk
• 20g (1½ tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 80g (⅔ cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Fresh zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
• 4-5 medium apples (approximately 750g/1.65 lbs)
• Juice of ½ fresh lemon
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation (5 minutes)

1. Position a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease an 8-inch (20cm) springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
3. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples (about ⅛ inch/3mm thick).
4. Toss the apple slices immediately with fresh lemon juice in a large bowl.

2. Making the Batter (3 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy (about 1 minute).
2. Pour in the melted butter and milk while continuing to mix.
3. Add the fresh lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.

3. Assembly (2 minutes)

1. Pour half of the batter into your prepared springform pan.
2. Arrange half of the apple slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each slice.
3. Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
4. Create a decorative pattern with the remaining apple slices on top.

4. Baking and Finishing

1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
3. Release the springform and transfer to a wire rack.
4. Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• The batter will seem quite liquid – this is exactly how it should be.
• If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
• For the most beautiful presentation, slice the apples uniformly thin.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Storage and Serving

This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 185
• Total Fat: 4.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2.3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 3.5g

The Perfect Pairing

Enhance your apple cake experience with a warming cup of ginger-cranberry tea:

1. Steep your favorite black tea
2. Add fresh ginger slices
3. Float lemon slices on top
4. Include fresh or dried cranberries
5. Serve hot alongside a slice of this heavenly apple cake

This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors that complement the cake’s rich, fruity profile while cutting through its natural sweetness with a subtle spicy note from the ginger.

Remember, the beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients used. Don’t rush the baking process, even though the prep is quick – those 45-50 minutes in the oven are crucial for developing the perfect texture and allowing the apples to release their natural sweetness into the tender cake beneath.