Apple Kuchen is the perfect balance of simple ingredients and rich, homey flavor. It’s easy to make and highlights the natural sweetness of apples. Whether served warm or cold, it’s comforting and satisfying, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Its versatility allows for variations in the topping, making it suitable year-round.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Milk or sour cream
Vanilla extract
Apples (firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Ground cinnamon
Optional Topping:
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cold butter (cut into small cubes)
Chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan or a round 10-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the milk (or sour cream) and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Arrange them in overlapping rows or a spiral pattern on top of the batter.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle over the apples, then dot with small cubes of cold butter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10 to 12 people. Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 40–45 minutes Total time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Streusel Topping: Add a traditional German streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter for a crumbly top.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze over the cooled cake.
Nutty Apple Kuchen: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for crunch.
Spiced Version: Add ground nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store Apple Kuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also freeze the cake: wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What type of apples are best for Apple Kuchen?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cake.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Apple Kuchen can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives the cake a softer texture, but you can leave the peels on for a more rustic presentation.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is traditional and adds flavor, but you can use an equal amount of neutral oil if needed.
What’s the difference between Apple Kuchen and apple pie?
Apple Kuchen is a cake-like dessert, whereas apple pie has a flaky pastry crust and a fruit filling.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Fresh apples are best, but in a pinch, canned filling can be used—just reduce the sugar in the topping.
Is Apple Kuchen served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed either way, though many prefer it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I add raisins to this recipe?
Yes, raisins or dried cranberries can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled over the apples before baking.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking into the batter?
Slice the apples thinly and place them gently on top—some will sink slightly, but that’s part of the charm.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears, plums, or peaches can be used for variations of Kuchen depending on the season.
Conclusion
Apple Kuchen is a timeless German dessert that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With its tender crumb, spiced apples, and buttery topping, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday spreads, or everyday indulgence. Whether served with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Apple Kuchen is a classic German dessert featuring a soft, buttery cake base topped with tart sliced apples and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for fall or any time of year, this comforting treat pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3–4 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (for topping)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add milk or sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Arrange the thinly sliced apples in overlapping rows or a spiral pattern on top of the batter.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the apples. Dot the top with cubes of cold butter and optional chopped nuts.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Add a streusel topping made with flour, sugar, and butter for a crumbly finish.Drizzle a vanilla or lemon glaze after baking for added sweetness.Mix chopped nuts into the topping for a nutty variation.Enhance the spice by adding nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.Use dairy-free milk and butter for a dairy-free version.
