This German apple cake is everything you want in a fall apple dessert -subtle yet sweet flavors, an all around delicious cake that is perfect for apple season.
All hail the glorious apple season, right? Apples are in abundance this time of year and this is THE cake to make with them.
My parents are both German and my family grew up eating European desserts, cakes like this, for example. European desserts are sweet, but not overly sweet and have a beautiful balance of flavors – like a vanilla cake with lemon zest topped with tart apples.
Whenever the weather starts getting colder I find myself craving desserts like this. It reminds me of home and my mothers’ baking. It also reminds me of something my family used to do on Sundays called Kaffee und Kuchen (translated to coffee and cake).
Kaffee und Kuchen is traditionally a short break for a family or social gathering around a piece of cake with an accompanying cup of coffee or tea. It happens in the afternoons between 3-5 pm and usually on Sundays. After recalling this tradition, I’m really questioning why I haven’t carried this tradition on with my husband…I mean, would anyone object to coffee and cake in the afternoons? Not anyone I know, that’s for sure haha!
This German apple cake would be the perfect cake to restart coffee and cake break the tradition with, or to make for any celebration!
If you’re looking for other amazing apple recipes, I’d recommend this upside down pear and apple loaf or this apple butter made in a slow cooker!
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing the pan, at room temperature
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 packet (.32 oz) vanilla sugar (I use Dr. Oetker brand, found in most grocery stores in the baking aisle - this one)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 lemon, zested (1 tablespoon zest)
- 1/1/2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Preheat oven to 350, line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and grease edges and bottom with butter.
- In a medium bowl with a stand or hand mixer cream together the butter and sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth (2 minutes). Add in vanilla extract and eggs and beat again until combined.
- Zest lemon into the batter and slowly add the flour and baking powder and beat until combined. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Lay the sliced apples on top of the batter, bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with powdered sugar (I sift mine over the cake) and then serve.
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I’m at a loss as to why we don’t a have “Kaffee und Kuchen” tradition here, too! I may need to get my family started on it; I don’t want to miss out anymore 😉
This cake is beautiful! I love how simple it is; perfect for an afternoon snack (a.k.a. Kaffee und Kuchen *cough cough*)
I was at a total loss too – like why isn’t it a ‘thing’ anymore lol! Thank you so much for your comment, it totally brought a smile to my face!
A coffee and cake break sounds like exactly what we need in this day and age when it’s go go go. Speaking of cake, this german apple cake is a real showstopper!
A coffee and cake break should be mandatory, I’m pretty sure there wouldn’t be anyone against that (or at least anyone I’d want to hang out with lol 🙂 )
This is such a beautiful cake! I have fond memories of German apple cake, as my friends Grandma (who is German) used to make this all the time and it was incredible.
Awe, thank you so much Dannii! This cake is such a traditional German favorite!
Going to have to make this Phi I know Al will love it
I think Al will definitely love this Rita, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Your German apple cake is GORGEOUS dear Phi! And since apples are in season again (and we already bought more than we can eat raw), this recipe is perfect for now!
Thank you for another delicious dessert and have fun travelling!:)
Lots of hugs,
Panos and Mirella
I really appreciate the compliment Panos and Mirella! I think you’ll find this is the perfect recipe for any leftover fresh apples!
I love the idea of coffee and cake on Sunday afternoons – sounds like such a wonderful tradition! And what a gorgeous cake to do it with, I need to make this!
Doesn’t coffee and cake on Sunday afternoons sound amazing? I loved that tradition and totally am going to be bringing it back, I don’t think anyone will mind, do you?
This is so beautiful! I was convinced you had used some special baking pan at first.
Thank you so much Dani! This cake would also work in a regular cake pan or even a square baking dish, it’s just so good it should be enjoyed in whatever baking pan form 🙂
Hi Phi, I love apple cakes and this looks amazing, sounds like a wonderful tradition.
Apple cakes are so comforting in the fall, aren’t they? And thank you, I think the tradition of coffee and cake should totally be a ‘thing’ here in America 🙂
I love the idea of kaffe and kuchen! I would love to implement something similar. I also love the idea of this cake, it sounds wonderful and it’s really lovely.
Thank you so much, I’m all about having coffee and cake in the afternoons, it sounds so fun doesn’t it?
This cake looks absolutely DELICIOUS !!
My family loves all kind of apples desserts and I’m sure this cake would be a hit once I make it. Thank you for sharing the recipe 🙂
You’re so welcome, thank you for commenting. This dessert would definitely be perfect for your family who loves apple desserts 🙂
What size pan should I use?
Hi Laura, I would use a standard 9 inch springform pan, or circular cake pan would work (those can be anywhere from 8-10 inches)
Oooohhh it’s Apple Season here in Cali (Southern Cali…mainly Julian, CA)..lol… This cake looks fantastic!
Thank you – I think you’ll love it!