There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apples and warm cinnamon filling your kitchen. This traditional German dessert, known as Apple Kuchen, offers a delightful experience for the senses. It features a beautifully tender, subtly sweet cake base, crowned with a generous layer of fresh, crisp apples dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and finally finished with a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it truly heavenly.
As autumn approaches and September graces us with its presence, thoughts naturally turn to apples. For many, baking with apples is a cherished seasonal ritual. The enchanting scent that wafts from the oven is unmatched, and the taste of a warm apple dessert is pure bliss. This Apple Kuchen recipe embodies everything wonderful about fall baking. It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness. Don’t just dream about it – gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this truly amazing German apple cake.
Traditional German Apple Kuchen: A Homestyle Delight
The first time I brought this exquisite Apple Kuchen to life was back in 2016. It was a special occasion – a tailgate event where my parents were celebrating my Dad’s birthday, which also happened to coincide with the opening day of Oktoberfest! We embraced the festive German theme wholeheartedly. Alongside grilling classic bratwurst burgers, I knew I needed a German-inspired dessert that was both authentic and utterly delicious for a birthday treat. Since dessert is my dad’s ultimate favorite food group, Apple Kuchen emerged as the perfect, irresistible choice.
For those looking to expand their Oktoberfest celebration menu, be sure to explore my hearty Oktoberfest Chili and these crowd-pleasing Bratwurst Sliders. They are fantastic additions to any German-themed gathering, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of this traditional Apple Kuchen.
Understanding German Apple Cake: What “Kuchen” Means
In German, the word “Kuchen” simply translates to “cake.” However, it often carries a deeper, more heartwarming connotation, evoking images of homemade, from-scratch baking that feels extra special and comforting. This Apple Kuchen perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s built upon a delightfully tender, subtly sweet cake base, generously layered with thinly sliced, cinnamon-spiced apples, and then elegantly finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s a dessert that transcends simple sweetness, offering a classic and comforting experience that feels right for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. The beauty of Kuchen lies in its simplicity and the genuine care that goes into its preparation, making every slice a truly memorable moment.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake)
Crafting the perfect Apple Kuchen begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired balance of flavors and the irresistibly tender texture that defines this traditional German dessert. For your convenience, the complete measurements and detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but let’s delve into the star players here:
To Make the Cake:
- Granny Smith Apples: These are the stars of the show! Their distinctive tart flavor provides a beautiful contrast, cutting through the sweetness of the cake and glaze. You’ll need about 4–5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced. If Granny Smiths aren’t available, other firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples also perform wonderfully, offering a slightly different but equally delicious profile.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter at room temperature is key for creaming it easily with sugar, creating a light and airy base for the cake. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe by a tiny pinch to maintain the flavor balance.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness for the cake batter. A separate, smaller amount is mixed with cinnamon to create that delightful, aromatic topping for the apples, ensuring every bite is perfectly sweetened.
- Eggs: Two large eggs are essential for structure and binding the batter, contributing to the cake’s soft and tender crumb. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal incorporation into the butter mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract infuses both the cake batter and the final glaze with a warm, inviting depth of flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, providing the necessary structure without making the cake too dense. Remember to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge to avoid a heavy cake.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the cake its lovely rise and contributing to its characteristically soft and tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a small pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the apple and cinnamon notes sing.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts! A teaspoon in the cake batter adds a subtle warmth, while a more generous sprinkle over the apples ensures that classic, irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma and taste.
- Sour Cream: This secret ingredient is what keeps the Apple Kuchen incredibly moist and adds a delicate tang that brightens the overall flavor. Both full-fat and light sour cream work well, providing richness and moisture.
For the Glaze:
A simple yet essential component, the glaze is made from a harmonious blend of Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, and Milk. Whisked together until smooth, this creates a beautifully sweet and aromatic drizzle that crowns the finished cake. You have full control over the glaze’s consistency: add a touch more milk for a thinner, lighter drizzle, or a bit more powdered sugar for a thicker, more opaque finish, depending on your personal preference.
Step-by-Step: How to Bake German Apple Kuchen
Creating this delicious German Apple Kuchen is a surprisingly straightforward process, bringing a cherished baking tradition right into your home kitchen. From the moment you gather your ingredients to the final drizzle of glaze, you’ll find joy in every step. This recipe yields a treat that is perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own.
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Alternatively, you can simply grease and flour the pan thoroughly to ensure your beautiful cake comes out effortlessly after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s tender texture. Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined. Finish this stage by stirring in the vanilla extract, ensuring its warm aroma is distributed throughout the wet ingredients.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and spice. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start with a portion of the flour, then a portion of the sour cream, continuing this pattern and ending with flour. Mix just until everything is combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Carefully spread the prepared cake batter evenly into your baking pan. Its thickness will serve as the perfect base for the flavorful apple topping.
Now, it’s time for the apples. Peel, core, and slice your chosen apples into thin, uniform wedges. Aim for slices around 1/8 inch thick; about 16 slices per medium apple generally works well. Arrange these apple slices neatly across the batter in a single layer, ensuring the entire top of the cake is covered. This creates a beautiful visual and guarantees a burst of apple flavor in every bite.
In a small bowl, combine the additional granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly over the layer of apples. This cinnamon-sugar crust will caramelize slightly during baking, adding an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
Carefully place the baking pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for cues. The cake is perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean, indicating that the batter is cooked through and the apples are tender.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. While the cake is cooling, prepare your vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a sprinkle more powdered sugar.
Finally, generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled (or still slightly warm) cake. The glaze will set beautifully, adding a lovely sheen and an extra layer of sweetness. Slice your Apple Kuchen into generous portions and serve. It’s absolutely delicious enjoyed warm from the pan, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cooled to room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. Leftovers, if there are any, keep best when stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
Save This Recipe: Pin It for Later!
If you’re as enchanted by the thought of this delicious German Apple Kuchen as we are, make sure to save it! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever that craving for a comforting, homestyle apple cake strikes.
Expert Tips, Storage, and Make-Ahead Advice for Perfect Apple Kuchen
To ensure your German Apple Kuchen turns out perfectly every time, and to help you enjoy its deliciousness over multiple days, here are some invaluable tips and practical advice:
Tips for the Best Apple Kuchen:
- Consistent Apple Slices: The key to evenly baked apples is uniform slicing. Aim for thin slices, around 1/8 inch thick, to ensure they soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: Tart apples like Granny Smith are highly recommended because their bright acidity beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake and glaze. For those who prefer a slightly sweeter cake, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are excellent alternatives, offering a delightful crispness and a less tart flavor profile.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour and sour cream are fully incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tougher, less tender cake. A light hand ensures a wonderfully soft and airy crumb.
- Amp Up the Spice: For an extra layer of autumnal flavor, consider lightly sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground cloves over the apples along with the cinnamon sugar. You could also experiment with a homemade Apple Pie Spice blend for a more complex aroma.
Storage Recommendations:
- Refrigeration is Key: Apple Kuchen maintains its freshness beautifully when stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4–5 days.
- Keep it Covered: To prevent the cake from drying out and to protect its delicate glaze, cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge.
- Serving Temperature: While delicious warm, the flavors of Apple Kuchen actually have a chance to meld and deepen even further after sitting overnight in the fridge. Enjoy it chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed for a cozy treat.
Make-Ahead Planning:
- Prepare Ahead and Refrigerate: You can assemble the entire cake – from the batter to the apple topping – a few hours in advance of baking. Simply cover it well and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
- Glaze in Advance: The vanilla glaze can also be prepared ahead of time. Store it in a small, airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, gently warm the glaze for a few seconds in the microwave or over a double boiler (if it has thickened too much) and drizzle it over the cooled cake for a fresh, glossy finish. This ensures the glaze has the perfect consistency and appearance.
Discover More German Recipes to Love
If you’ve been following my culinary journey for a while, you’ll know that my family heritage is a delightful blend of German and Polish traditions, and my recipe collection proudly reflects this rich background. In fact, I have an entire section dedicated just to sauerkraut, showcasing its versatility and deliciousness! While it’s truly difficult to pick favorites—much like choosing a favorite child—some of my most beloved German recipes include the savory German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen), a comforting Sauerkraut, Bratwurst, and Potato Soup, the classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (pictured above), and another fantastic German Apple Dessert. Explore all of my authentic German recipes here and bring a taste of Germany to your table.
Whether you choose to serve it warm, fresh from the oven, or prefer to let it cool for a delightful treat later, Apple Kuchen is more than just a dessert. It’s an invitation to bring a cherished piece of German baking tradition into your home. With its wonderfully tender cake, perfectly spiced cinnamon apples, and a glistening sweet vanilla glaze, every forkful is a comforting reminder of home, family, and the joy of simple, delicious pleasures. This humble yet exquisite treat is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones, or perhaps, for those moments when you just want to keep all its deliciousness to yourself! Now, let’s dive into the detailed recipe and start baking!
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Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake)
A traditional German treat that’s not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: German
Keyword: Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake)
Servings: 15 servings
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4-5 medium sized Granny Smith Apples
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 Tablespoons sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or grease well.
- In a mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in alternating parts with the sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until each addition is just incorporated into the batter; do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges (about 16 slices per apple). Arrange these slices in a single layer across the top of the batter.
- Combine the 3 Tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled cake.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered.
Notes
Apple Kuchen keeps well in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on September 21, 2016. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 16, 2025.
