Omas Apfelkuchen a Classic German Apple Cake

Recipe Introduction: Oma's Apfelkuchen
Fancy a slice of Germany? Have you ever wished you could teleport to a cozy German cafe? My German cake , Oma's Apfelkuchen , is your ticket! This Authentic German Apple Cake recipe is bursting with cinnamon and apples and has a delightful streusel topping.
This Apfelkuchen Recipe is an old family favourite. It's a taste of tradition. It's also surprisingly easy to whip up! This Easy German Apple Cake recipe is a slice of heaven.
Quick Hook
Ever been curious about the legendary Oma's Apfelkuchen ? This recipe brings that classic German comfort to your kitchen! You'll fall in love with the sweet and spicy apple filling and the crumbly streusel.
It is the perfect Apple Cake Recipe German .
Brief Overview
The Apfelkuchen is a cornerstone of German baking. It often takes center stage at family gatherings, bringing joy with every slice.
This recipe is easy to medium difficulty. It takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It yields 8-10 servings. Get ready to say 'Guten Appetit'!
Main Benefits
Apples are a good source of fiber, so this cake has a little health boost. This Cinnamon Apple Cake is perfect for autumn days or a simple Sunday dessert.
It's special because it uses simple ingredients. It also delivers an authentic German flavor. It's the best of German Baking Recipes .
Ready to bake? We will start gathering the ingredients now.
Ingredients & Equipment for Oma's Apfelkuchen
Right, so you're ready to make some German Apple Cake ? Ace! Let's get our ducks in a row and see what we need.
Honestly, don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think. I remember the first time I tried making this Apfelkuchen Recipe .
I thought, "Oh my gosh, this is going to be a disaster!" But trust me, it's not that hard once you get going.
Main Ingredients for a Taste of Germany
Okay, for the apples, you'll need 3-4 medium apples. I reckon Granny Smiths work best for that slightly tart tang.
About 500g / 1.1 lbs , mind. A squeeze of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice keeps them from browning.
Spice things up with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of cinnamon and a dash of 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of nutmeg.
Sweeten with 2 tablespoons (25g) of granulated sugar.
Next, for the cake itself, you'll need 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened butter, that's 115g . Plus, 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar.
Don't forget 2 large eggs at room temperature, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract. Combine with 1 1/2 cups (180g) of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.
5 ml) of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of salt. And finally, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk.
For that all-important streusel, you're looking at 1/2 cup (60g) of flour, 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar, and 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of cold butter, that's 57g .
Finish it off with 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of cinnamon. Trust me; that streusel topping is what makes this German Cake with Streusel so good!
Seasoning is the Soul
Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential. That warm, cozy vibe? That's them. A little lemon zest could also lift the flavors even more.
If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cardamom can add a real special touch. No nutmeg? Allspice works in a pinch.
Experiment with the flavours to make your perfect version of Oma's Apfelkuchen !
Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid
Honestly, you don't need fancy gear. A 9 inch springform pan or cake pan is perfect. Mixing bowls are a must, and an electric mixer makes life easier, but a whisk will do.
A rubber spatula, measuring cups, and a knife. An apple corer is optional. Don't have a springform? No worries. A regular cake pan will work.
Just grease it well. The key is to use what you have. Making Easy German Apple Cake should not need loads of special equiptment!
Now, you are one step closer to creating an Authentic German Apple Cake ! Happy Baking.
Let's Get Baking: Oma's Apfelkuchen!
Fancy a trip to Germany, but your passport's expired? No worries, mate! This German Apple Cake recipe , or Apfelkuchen recipe as they say in the Fatherland, will transport you straight to a cozy Bavarian kitchen.
This isn't just any apple cake recipe german but Oma's Apfelkuchen it's like a warm hug in cake form.
Honestly, dessert recipes german don't get much better than this.
Prep Steps: Get Your Kitchen in Gear!
Right then, essential mise en place is key. This means getting all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.
Peel and slice those apples. Trust me, it's worth it. Soften the butter, or you'll be there all day trying to cream it.
For time saving organization tips , I like to get my streusel ingredients prepped first, then tackle the apples, and finish with the cake batter.
step-by-step to Authentic German Apple Cake
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Set aside.
- Cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Beat in 2 eggs, then 1 tsp vanilla.
- Whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with 1/2 cup milk.
- Pour batter into a pan, arrange apples on top. Combine streusel ingredients, crumble over apples.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes . Look for golden brown perfection.
- Cool before slicing. Dust with icing sugar for extra flair.
Pro Tips for a German Cake with Streusel
Want that Easy German Apple Cake to be perfect? Use cold butter for the streusel. Trust me, those crumbs need to stay separate! Also, don't overmix the batter or you will end up with a brick, and nobody wants that.
Plus, using room temperature ingredients for the cake batter makes all the difference, just like they do in german baking recipes .
I once forgot the baking powder entirely. You can imagine how that went: flat as a pancake! Learn from my mistakes, people.
I tried the recipie the next day using a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar. (approx 1/2 tsp baking soda with 1 tsp cream of tartar) and everything turned out perfect!
This cinnamon apple cake is best served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. It is truly a slice of heaven, and pretty much guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, just like being back at Oma's Apfelkuchen .
Give it a go; you won't regret it!
Recipe Notes for Your Oma's Apfelkuchen
Alright, mate, now you've baked up a cracking german cake . What's next? Let's talk about making it even better! We want to nail that Gemütlichkeit vibe.
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation, Done Right
Honestly, plating is key! Dust your apple cake recipe german with powdered sugar. It looks fancy but takes seconds. A dollop of whipped cream? Yes, please! For drinks, think a strong German coffee.
Or, a glass of chilled white wine does the trick. If you are feeling super fancy, make a vanilla sauce to drizzle.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Refrigerate any leftover german cake with streusel . Wrap it tight to stop it from drying out. It will be fine for about 3 days.
Freezing? You can! Cut into slices and wrap individually. Thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, microwave it for a few seconds.
Or, pop it in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C ) until warmed through.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Fancy a change? Swap apples for pears. It adds a subtle twist to the flavor. For a dairy-free easy german apple cake , use plant based butter and milk.
Job done! Nutty streusel? Add chopped almonds to the topping. Seriously good! Or, you could make this lovely Apfelkuchen Recipe gluten-free.
Just swap out the flour!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
This cinnamon apple cake is delicious, right? It’s a treat. One slice has around 350-400 calories. It has about 4 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat.
It also contains around 50 grams of carbs and 25 grams of sugar. (Disclaimer: This is an estimate only). Baking with apples gives you some fibre and vitamins.
A happy bonus!
So, there you have it! Everything you need to tweak and perfect your authentic german apple cake . Don't be scared to experiment! Every Apfelkuchen tells a story. Now, go make yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is German Cake, and is it always apple flavoured?
While the term "German Cake" can refer to several different cakes from Germany, this recipe is for a classic German Apple Cake, or Apfelkuchen. While apple is traditional, think of it like Victoria Sponge: there's room to play! You can substitute pears or other fruits if you fancy a bit of a change.
Just keep the fruit-to-cake ratio similar.
My German cake batter seems a bit thick. Is that normal?
Yes, the batter for this Apfelkuchen is thicker than, say, a sponge cake batter. This helps support the apples and prevents them from sinking straight to the bottom. Just make sure you haven't overmixed it that's a surefire way to a tough cake, and nobody wants that, do they?
How do I store leftover German apple cake, and how long will it last?
To keep your German cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it might dry out a little.
You can also freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months just thaw them completely before enjoying. Think of it as a delicious little time capsule!
Can I make this German cake recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant based butter alternative and the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free if needed.
A little bit of effort is all it takes to be inclusive with this dish!
The streusel topping on my German cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?
If your streusel is browning too fast, simply tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will protect the streusel from burning while allowing the cake to continue baking through. A little trick every baker should know, like remembering your lines for the school play!
Omas Apfelkuchen A Classic German Apple Cake

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |