Description
This traditional German Apple Cake features tender slices of cinnamon-spiced apples layered within a buttery, moist cake. The batter is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfect balance of sweet and aromatic flavors. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake is delightful served warm, making it a comforting dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 4 medium apples (about 1 1/2 lbs, peeled, cored and sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Topping
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (to drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Apples: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and generously grease it with baking spray or butter to prevent sticking. In a bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning; then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and fold in gently by hand to retain airiness. Follow with one-third of the milk, folding again carefully. Repeat this alternating process until all the flour mixture and milk are incorporated, resulting in a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Arrange half of the apple slices evenly over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter on top of the apples and gently spread it into an even layer, careful not to disturb the apple slices underneath. Top with the remaining apple slices and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for 70 to 80 minutes. If the apple slices start to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil around the 50-minute mark to prevent over-browning. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness—it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked. The cake usually takes about 75 minutes in the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, run a sharp knife around the edge to loosen it before unclipping and removing the springform pan. Serve the cake warm, optionally sprinkled with extra granulated sugar or powdered sugar, and drizzle with caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened butter to ensure proper batter texture and rise.
- If your apples are very juicy, consider patting them dry slightly before tossing with lemon juice to avoid making the batter too wet.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
- This cake is delicious served warm and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- If you do not have a springform pan, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan but greasing and lining might require more care to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German apple cake, traditional apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, spiced apple dessert, springform apple cake, caramel drizzle apple cake, homemade apple cake
