Moist & Fluffy Apfelkuchen with Rum!
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!
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
Instructions German Apple Cake:
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
2. Prepare the Apples
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Whip the Egg Whites (For an Extra Fluffy Cake!)
In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Set aside.
4. Make the Batter
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and rum, mixing until smooth.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in whipped cream gently.
Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites last, using a spatula to maintain airiness.
5. Assemble the Kuchen
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Arrange the apple slices on top.
If using streusel, mix the flour, sugar, and butter with your fingers until crumbly, then sprinkle over apples.
6. Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Rum adds depth & moisture
✔ Whipped cream makes it rich & soft
✔ Whipped egg whites give it a fluffy texture
✔ Crumble topping adds crunch & contrast
✔ Whipped cream makes it rich & soft
✔ Whipped egg whites give it a fluffy texture
✔ Crumble topping adds crunch & contrast
FAQs about German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)
Q: What type of apples should I use for Apfelkuchen?
A: For an authentic German apple cake, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. These types help balance the sweetness of the cake and give a nice texture.
Q: Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
A: Yes! While apples are traditional, pears or peaches also make a delicious alternative. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if using softer fruits.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I add any nuts or raisins to the cake?
A: Yes, adding a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins can give the cake an extra flavor boost. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it over the apples.
A: Yes, adding a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins can give the cake an extra flavor boost. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it over the apples.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect German Apple Cake
Use room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. This helps them blend better and prevents clumping.
Choose the right apples: Authentic Apfelkuchen uses tart apples, but if you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a denser cake, which is not the desired texture for Apfelkuchen.
Add a streusel topping: If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle some sugar, butter, and flour over the cake before baking. This will create a delicious streusel that adds texture and extra flavor.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In Germany, it's common to enjoy Apfelkuchen with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy this upgraded Apfelkuchen and impress your guests with its perfect balance of flavors!