German Apple Cake

Name: German Apple Cake
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 10
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: GERMAN APPLE CAKE:; For the Cake:; 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, separated; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp dark rum; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (or 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup (80ml) lightly whipped heavy cream; For the Apple Layer:; 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or nutmeg/cardamom for a twist!); For the Streusel (Crumble) Topping:; 3/4 cup (100g) flour; 1/3 cup (70g) sugar; 1/3 cup (75g) cold butter, cubed

A moist German apple cake scented with dark rum, warm spice, and an optional buttery crumble topping.

Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 10
Level: Intermediate

Behind the recipe

A little story before we cook

This Apfelkuchen takes the classic German apple cake to the next level with a rich, moist texture, and touch of rum! Optional: A buttery crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion!

Method

Make it

01
1. Preheat & Prepare
02
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
03
2. Prepare the Apples
04
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
05
3. Whip the Egg Whites (For an Extra Fluffy Cake!)
06
In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Set aside.
07
4. Make the Batter
08
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
09
Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and rum, mixing until smooth.
10
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Fold in whipped cream gently.
12
Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites last, using a spatula to maintain airiness.
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5. Assemble the Kuchen
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Pour batter into the prepared pan.
15
Arrange the apple slices on top.
16
If using streusel, mix the flour, sugar, and butter with your fingers until crumbly, then sprinkle over apples.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
18
7. Cool & Serve
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Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream!

Apfelkuchen notes

Soft crumb, tart fruit, crisp finish

This version layers several textures: rum and whipped cream enrich the batter, whipped whites lighten it, and optional streusel brings contrast.

Choose tart apples

Granny Smith or Golden Delicious balance the cake’s sweetness and hold their shape. A mixture of sweet and tart apples works too; pears or peaches can substitute but may bake faster.

Protect the air

Bring the butter and eggs to room temperature, whip the whites to soft peaks, and fold them in last. Once flour is added, mix only until combined to avoid a dense cake.

Ways to vary it

Nutmeg or cardamom can replace cinnamon. Chopped walnuts or raisins may be folded into the batter, and a flour-butter-sugar streusel adds a traditional crisp top.

Dietary adaptation

A one-to-one gluten-free all-purpose blend can replace the flour. Confirm that the baking powder is also labeled gluten-free.