German Apple Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of German Apple Cake. This delightful dessert brings together the sweetness of apples, a soft cake base, and a creamy quark layer. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having friends over for coffee, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. With its fluffy texture and tender apple slices, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home!
What Goes into This German Apple Cake
To make this scrumptious cake, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 large eggs
- 180 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) plain yogurt or milk
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) vegetable oil
- 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 200 g (¾ cup) quark (or substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for quark mixture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
- A handful (about 50 g / ½ cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step German Apple Cake Recipe
Ready to bake? Let’s get started with making this delightfully rich and flavorful German Apple Cake!
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20×30 cm (8×12 inch) rectangular baking pan with vegetable oil and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the yogurt or milk and vegetable oil, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the mix.
- In a small bowl, mix the quark with granulated sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange the lemon-tossed apple slices in an even layer over the batter.
- Spread the quark mixture evenly over the apples, covering them well.
- Dollop the remaining batter over the quark layer and spread gently to cover the top.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.
How to Serve German Apple Cake
This German Apple Cake is delightful and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also goes well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy evenings.
Expert Tips for German Apple Cake
- Choosing Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully together!
- Quark Substitutes: If you can’t find quark, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be great replacements, providing a similar creamy texture.
- Add Spices: For a cozy twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple layer for extra warmth and flavor.
German Apple Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
You can easily substitute vanilla sugar with regular sugar mixed with a drop of vanilla extract; it will give a lovely flavor!
Is it okay to freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Just thaw and enjoy when you’re ready!
There you have it! This German Apple Cake is a treat that’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, grab your ingredients and start baking to enjoy this deliciously comforting dessert!
German Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20×30 cm (8×12 inch) rectangular baking pan with vegetable oil and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the yogurt or milk and vegetable oil, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the mix.
- In a small bowl, mix the quark with granulated sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange the lemon-tossed apple slices in an even layer over the batter.
- Spread the quark mixture evenly over the apples, covering them well.
- Dollop the remaining batter over the quark layer and spread gently to cover the top.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.
