Apfelkuchen, a comforting German apple cake, evoking the essence of the country's traditional Kaffee und Kuchen time.
Did you know?
Did you know that Kaffee und Kuchen is such an established tradition in Germany that many workplaces and schools will have a longer afternoon break to accommodate it?
Wander through the scenic orchards of Germany, and you'll find the inspiration for our Apfelkuchen, a beloved traditional German dessert. This cake is as much about the comforting aromas that fill your kitchen as it is about the simple yet satisfying flavors. Imagine a gentle cinnamon breeze that dances around sweet, tender apples tucked into a buttery, golden crust. This recipe is a tribute to 'Kaffee und Kuchen', a time-honored German tradition of pausing in the afternoon to enjoy coffee and cake. Perfect for anyone who desires a taste of Gemütlichkeit, the cozy and cheerful feeling that comes with savoring a homemade slice of apple goodness.
Our Apfelkuchen requires patience and a love for crafting something from scratch. As you peel the apples, think of the skilled hands of German bakers who've perfected this confection over centuries. With each whiff of this cake as it bakes, you will be transported to a quaint German Konditorei, a pastry shop where time seems to pause just for a sweet respite.
Ingredients
Every ingredient in this Apfelkuchen recipe has its own story — from the robust flour to the crisp, succulent apples, each plays a crucial role in building the cake's character.
Apples are the heart of Apfelkuchen. In Germany, many favor varieties like Elstar or Boskoop for their balance of sweetness and tartness, truly capturing the spirit of the cake.
- 150 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 150 grams granulated sugar
- 4 medium eggs
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 medium tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped Cream (optional for serving)
Steps
Let us embark on the journey of creating your very own homemade Apfelkuchen. Follow these steps with care, imagining the German countryside with its rich apple orchards and the smell of freshly baked goods in the air.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23cm (9 inch) springform pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Arrange the apple slices in the bottom of the prepared springform pan in a circular pattern. Drizzle with lemon juice.
- Sprinkle the apples with the mixture of ground cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Pour the batter over the apple slices and gently spread to cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then release from the springform pan.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving, and if desired, add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice.
Add some extra love
For an even more authentic touch, serve your Apfelkuchen with a strong German coffee or warm apple cider.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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