Description
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
