German Apple Cake (Kuchen)

Apple kuchen on a table next to a gingham check linen kitchen towel and a gold serving spoon.

4.80 from 15 votes

Experience the comfort of a traditional German Apple Cake. A recipe passed down through generations, offering a warm and nostalgic treat.

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Servings: slices

Calories: 313kcal

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Equipment

springform pan
medium mixing bowl

Ingredients

¾ cup butter softened, but not melted
1½ cup cane sugar
3 large eggs room temperature, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cup all-purpose flour or cake flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup cane sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 medium baking apples

Instructions

Prepare the springform pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick baking spray.
*If your pan isn't non-stick, also line the bottom with parchment paper.
To a medium mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), add butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using the stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, beat ingredients together on medium-high power until creamy.
Stop the electric mixer and use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
To the bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix on low speed, just until combined.
Spread batter into prepared springform pan, then use an offset spatula or back of a large spoon to smooth the top.
Turn on oven to 325° F to preheat while you prepare the apples.
Peel and core the apples. Using a mandolin or paring knife, cut apples into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick.
Either group the apples together (about 1/3 of an apple) and gently press into the cake batter. This results in a slightly firmer apples. Or, for a softer consistency, fan the slices around the cake in a single layer.
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of sugar and the cinnamon in an even layer over the kuchen.
Bake cake in preheated oven for 50 minutes, until it the top is golden in color. Serve warm. If desired, lightly dust with confectioners sugar before serving.

Notes

TFN Pro Tip:

You can serve them warm or at room temperature. For an extra lovely presentation, I like to dust the top of the German apple cake with a bit of confectioner sugar before serving.

Recipe Variations:

Nutella-style version: stir 1/2 cup of Nutella into the batter just before spreading it into the pan. Then, top with sliced almonds before baking.
Add dried fruit: 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
For a bit of crunch, top the cake with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
For a fun twist on the traditional German apple cake recipe, try using Granny Smith apples (a tart apple) and serve with a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting.

How to Store and Reheat:

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic and then a layer of foil and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat slices of German apple cake, microwave them on a plate for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.

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