German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

German Apple Cake is a wonderful treat because it’s simple to prepare yet feels indulgent and comforting. The buttery crust provides a sturdy base, while the apple filling is both fresh and saucy, bringing out the natural sweetness of the fruit. The streusel topping adds a crunchy, golden finish that ties everything together. You’ll love how this cake can be enjoyed warm or cold, and how versatile it is for different occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:
5 apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the butter, egg, and vanilla, and mix until a dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. For the filling, combine the diced apples, applesauce, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by cutting the butter into the flour and sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the apple filling.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
6. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This German Apple Cake makes about 12 servings. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, and baking time is around 50 minutes, bringing the total time to just over 1 hour.

Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
• Swap the applesauce with pear sauce for a unique twist.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake for a classic finish.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover German Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This cake also freezes well for up to 3 months; just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for German Apple Cake?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance well with the sweetness of the streusel and filling.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered. The flavors often deepen overnight.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic look.

Can I use store-bought applesauce?

Yes, just make sure it is unsweetened to control the sweetness of the filling.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The streusel should be golden brown, and the apple filling should bubble slightly around the edges.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Is this cake served warm or cold?

It can be enjoyed both ways warm for comfort or cold for a firmer texture.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the crust and filling without compromising taste.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Absolutely nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom make wonderful additions to the apple filling.

Conclusion

German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen) is a timeless dessert that blends buttery crust, tender apples, and crunchy streusel into one irresistible treat. Whether you serve it at a holiday table, bring it to a gathering, or enjoy it as a simple weeknight dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its comforting flavors and satisfying textures make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

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