In this recipe, I will show you how to bake a simple German apple cake in a springform pan. This is known as sunken apple cake (Versunkener Apfelkuchen). It consists of a simple dough, aromatic cinnamon, and apple pieces that sink into the juicy dough as it bakes. My traditional recipe for German apple cake is so simple that even my 9-year-old daughter can bake it on her own. Give it a try.
In addition to this sunken apple cake, there are many other German apple cake recipes. For example, there is the apple sheet cake with streusel, apple cake with custard, a juicy apple and quark cake, and, not to forget, the legendary apple strudel, which actually originates from Austria.
Tips for My Simple German Apple Cake Recipe
- Choose the right apples for the cake: Since they are the main ingredient, their taste is very important. I recommend an apple variety that doesn't get mushy when baked. In Germany, we like to use Braeburn, Elstar, Granny Smith or Jonagold. Feel free to base your choice on the regional varieties in your country. Smaller apples are best.
- How the dough becomes nice and fluffy: It is important to add the eggs to the dough one at a time and mix for at least a minute. Then, we briefly fold in the flour.
- Toppings: Traditionally, German apple cake is sprinkled with powdered sugar if it isn't topped with streusel. I also like to serve it with thick whipped cream. Sunken apple cake also tastes delicious warm from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes wonderfully with it.
How Is Versunkener Apfelkuchen Pronounced?
Click below to listen to the correct pronunciation:
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions for My German Apple Cake
If you cover the sunken apple cake well, it will stay fresh for 3 days. You can easily bake it a day in advance. It tastes best on the second day, as the apples have had time to fully absorb into the cake.
The simple German apple cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, let it cool completely after baking and then seal it airtight in a freezer bag. I always freeze it in equal portions so I can defrost individual pieces whenever I'm in the mood for a delicious slice of apple cake.
Variation Ideas for the Sunken Apple Cake
You can easily vary the recipe by replacing or adding individual ingredients:
- Can't get vanilla sugar? Use some vanilla extract or leave it out altogether.
- Instead of cinnamon, you can also use some pumpkin spice.
- Nut lovers can add 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough.
The simple sponge cake recipe also works with many other types of fruit, such as cherries or plums. Just make sure they aren't too juicy, so that your cake doesn't become soggy.
German Apple Cake - versunkener Apfelkuchen
Ingredients
- 125 g butter room temperature
- 125 g sugar
- 150 g all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 4 apples
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt for at least 2 minutes until foamy. Mix in the butter.125 g sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 3 eggs, 1 pinch of salt, 125 g butter
- Briefly stir in the flour, cinnamon and baking powder.150 g all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter a 9 inch or 10 inch round springform cake pan and put the dough into it.
- Peel the apples, cut them into quarters and spread them evenly over the dough.4 apples
- Bake the apple pie for 25-30 minutes at 200 ℃ (390 ℉). Sprinkle with powdered sugar after it has cooled.powdered sugar
Sina Lazenbrandt says
Wow i love Apple Cake!