German Apple Cake

German Apple Cake, or Apfelkuchen, is a traditional dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and tartness of apples in a tender, spiced cake. This rustic, homey treat features juicy apple slices nestled in a moist, buttery batter, often with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon coffee break, this cake is simple to make yet bursting with comforting flavors. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate apple season or bring a taste of Germany into your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a classic touch, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

German Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that’s both simple and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion. Its moist, spiced crumb and sweet apple topping make every bite irresistible!