Description
Authentic German Apple Cake (Versunkener Apfelkuchen) – a traditional German cake loaded with fresh apple slices suspended in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced batter. This old-world recipe creates a moist, tender crumb with caramelized apples on top. Perfect with coffee or tea, and dusted with powdered sugar!
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. Sprinkle with lemon juice and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in apples and nuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and top is golden brown.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples hold their shape best during baking and provide the perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Sprinkling apples with lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added – stop as soon as it comes together for a tender crumb.
- For a traditional German touch, serve with vanilla sauce (Vanillesoße) or whipped cream.
- This cake stays moist for days – store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- For a streusel topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 4 tbsp cold butter, and 1 tsp cinnamon, then sprinkle over batter before baking.
- Add 1/2 cup raisins soaked in rum for extra authenticity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: German