Why You’ll Love this German Apple Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that perfectly blends the warmth of spices with the tartness of fresh apples, then this German Apple Cake is for you.
It’s a delightful balance of flavors and textures, offering a moist cake layer that cradles tender apples. I love how the buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a comforting experience in every bite.
Plus, the subtle hint of cinnamon elevates the dish to something truly special.
Whether you’re serving it warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress friends and family, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients of German Apple Cake
When it comes to baking a delightful German Apple Cake, the ingredients play a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. This cake isn’t just about apples; it’s a symphony of sweet and creamy components.
You’ll find that when you gather your ingredients, there’s a mix of pantry staples and fresh produce that come together to create a comforting, delicious dessert. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this tasty treat.
Ingredients for German Apple Cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups butter (or margarine), softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4-5 large baking apples
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (to taste)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 large eggs (for the filling)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
Now that you have your ingredients lined up, let’s take a moment to reflect on a few things.
First off, the type of apples you choose can make a big difference. Baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great since they hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Also, don’t be shy about tweaking the cinnamon-sugar mixture to suit your taste; a little extra cinnamon can really enhance the flavor.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist.
How to Make German Apple Cake

Making a German Apple Cake is a delightful journey that starts with some essential prep work. First off, grab 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 2 cups of softened butter (or margarine) because we’re going to create a buttery cookie crust that serves as the foundation for this cake.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, egg, and butter, and then add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Now, here comes the fun part: using your fingertips, work the mixture together until it resembles fine crumbs. You’re basically making a dough that’s reminiscent of pastry—just a little messy, but that’s part of the charm.
Once you’ve got that texture down, cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I know, the waiting can be tough, but trust me, it’s worth it.
While your dough is chilling, let’s turn our attention to the stars of the show—those lovely apples. You’ll need 4 to 5 large baking apples, which you should peel, core, and slice in half lengthwise.
Now, here’s a little tip: with the point of a small knife, cut out some V-shaped strips from the apple halves. This not only looks fancy but also helps the apples cook evenly. Once your apples are prepped, lightly butter a 9-inch springform pan, dust it with flour, and press about half of that chilled dough into the bottom, reaching halfway up the sides.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs over the crust (a little sugar and cinnamon mixed in can kick things up a notch, just saying) before arranging those gorgeous apple halves, rounded sides up.
Now it’s time for the creamy goodness. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, along with 2 large eggs, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Pour this heavenly mixture over the arranged apples; it’s like giving them a cozy blanket. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is set.
When it’s done, resist the urge to indulge right away—cool it on a wire rack first, and while you’re waiting, heat up 1/2 cup of apricot preserves until warm, then brush it over the top for a shiny finish.
Finally, let it cool completely before removing it from the pan. There you have it, a beautiful German Apple Cake that’s sure to impress! And remember, if you drop a slice on the floor, just call it “German apple crumble” and keep smiling.
German Apple Cake Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic German Apple Cake recipe, you might want to experiment with some substitutions and variations to make it your own.
For a twist, try using different fruits like pears or berries instead of apples. You can also swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
If you prefer a nutty texture, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Ultimately, consider infusing the filling with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate the taste.
Get creative and have fun with it!
What to Serve with German Apple Cake
What goes perfectly with a slice of German Apple Cake? I love serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, as it adds a light and airy touch.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is another favorite; the creaminess complements the cake beautifully.
For a cozy vibe, I sometimes brew a cup of spiced chai or a rich coffee, enhancing the cake’s warm flavors.
If I want to elevate the experience, I’ll drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.
Each pairing brings out the delightful apple and cinnamon notes, making every bite even more enjoyable!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your German Apple Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
I also suggest letting the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it. This helps maintain its structure.
If you’re looking for a twist, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or using different jams for glazing.
For a richer taste, consider incorporating a bit of almond extract into the cream mixture.
Ultimately, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Enjoy baking!