Apfelkuchen Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, and trust me, this apple cinnamon cake is about to take you on a cozy journey back to autumn days and warm, sweet comfort.

I love the warm and inviting scent that wafts through my kitchen when baking Apfelkuchen. The perfect combination of moist cake, tender apples, and a whisper of cinnamon makes this a dessert that we could enjoy any time of year.

Not to mention that with just a half cup of granulated sugar, the only other sweet ingredient is from the apples themselves.

Apfelkuchen Recipe Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; primarily carbohydrates; essential for texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake; a source of simple carbohydrates.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; contributes to flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients; add protein and richness; help with leavening.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent; helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Apples: Add natural sweetness; high in fiber and vitamin C.
• Ground Cinnamon: Enhances flavor; aromatic spice; offers health benefits.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel flavor; sweetener.

Apfelkuchen Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

How to Make this Apfelkuchen Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep a 9-inch springform pan so that whatever you put in it won’t stick.

2. In a big mixing bowl, blend the room-temperature margarine and the regular granulated sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and light.

3. Incorporate the eggs individually, ensuring each is mixed thoroughly before proceeding, then mix in the liquid vanilla.

4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until fully amalgamated.

5. When the batter has been prepared, transfer it to the waiting springform pan. It should be evenly dispersed and settled flat across the bottom of the pan.

6. Position the apples that have been cut into slices atop the batter, making sure to press them down with a slight firmness.

7. In a tiny bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar.

8. Distribute evenly the mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the apples.

9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a golden brown.

10. Allow the cake to cool a bit, and then, if you like, dust it with powdered sugar before serving.

Apfelkuchen Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9-inch springform pan
3. Electric mixer
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
6. Small mixing bowl (for cinnamon and brown sugar)
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spatula
10. Knife (for slicing apples)
11. Cutting board
12. Spoon (for mixing cinnamon and sugar)
13. Toothpick
14. Cooling rack (optional)
15. Sieve or small sifter (for dusting powdered sugar, optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour?Certainly! You can achieve a lighter texture by using cake flour, but it’s best to stay away from whole wheat flour, as it could change both the flavor and texture.
• What type of apples work best for Apfelkuchen?Choosing Granny Smith apples for baking is a great idea. These apples are tart and hold their shape very well when baked. Other apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, also work well in this capacity.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, Apfelkuchen is a dessert that can be made a day in advance. Simply refrigerate it and then let it warm up to room temp before serving. Alternatively, serve it gently reheated in the oven.
• Is there an egg substitute for this recipe?Each egg can be substituted for 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mixture of flaxseed and water. These ingredients must be mixed and allowed to sit for 5 minutes before using them to replace eggs in recipes.
• Can I make this gluten-free?Absolutely, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Just make sure that the mix contains xanthan gum, or something with a similar function, for better texture.
• How should I store the Apfelkuchen?Keep in a sealed container at room temp for 2 days max, or stick in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• What is the best way to serve Apfelkuchen?Serve it just a bit warm, with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. It goes beautifully with vanilla ice cream, or with whipped cream.

Apfelkuchen Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 cups all-purpose flour: Replace with 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a more robust texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Replace with 1/2 cup coconut sugar or 1/3 cup honey for an alternative sweetness profile.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Substitute with 1/2 cup coconut oil or 1/2 cup margarine as a dairy-free option.
Two large eggs: Substitute with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Or try 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended for a vegan alternative.
1/4 cup brown sugar. Substitute with 1/4 cup maple syrup or 1/4 cup turbinado sugar for a slightly different flavor in your recipe.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Apples For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a nice balance and maintain their structure after baking.

2. Enhance Flavor with Nutmeg Add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

3. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and results in a better texture for the cake.

4. Prevent Browning of Apples After slicing the apples, you can toss them in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle hint of acidity to complement the sweetness.

5. Check Doneness Precisely Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recommended bake time. Insert a toothpick in multiple areas, especially near the center, to ensure it’s fully baked.