Home · Recipes German Apple Cake Author: Maryanne CabreraPublished: Oct 28, 2014Updated: Nov 16, 2023 View Recipe18 ReviewsThis post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. I’m calling this apple cake the quintessential autumn dessert. Not only it is easy to make, it doesn’t require the use of a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. I’m left-handed and I am a terrible apple peeler. I’m also very slow at peeling potatoes and carrots. Here’s the problem: I write with my left hand but I use a knife with my right hand. I throw right-handed, use scissors on my left, I pipe frosting left-handed, but I frost cakes right-handed. I’m complicated. When it comes to using a peeler, my brain can’t decide which hand to use. That’s why I love recipes that keep the peel on. And that is why this German Apple Cake has become my favorite autumn dessert. German Apple Cake I’m not really sure why it’s called “German” apple cake. I tried to search for an explanation, but this one by Edible Rhody is the best one I could find. Regardless of the name, I’m calling this apple cake the quintessential autumn dessert. Not only it is easy to make, it doesn’t require the use of a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. All you need is a couple bowls and a sturdy spatula. Since the recipe only calls for one large apple, it’s the perfect recipe to make when you have that one overripe apple that you don’t know want to do with. While any apple will do, I prefer tart Granny Smiths for baking. This apple cake is the kind of dessert I like to eat while I’m tucked under a blanket with a mug of warm tea and a good book. It’s also the kind of dessert that I need to portion out because it is way too easy to eat. And since this cake doesn’t require the use of a fork, my left-handedness isn’t a problem. I can totally have a slice of cake in each hand without confusing my brain. German Apple Cake I'm call this apple cake the quintessential autumn dessert. It's simple and easy to make. It doesn't require the use of a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. And it's the perfect recipe when you only have one apple on hand!Yield: 8-inch square pan Prep Time: 15 minutes minutesCook Time: 45 minutes minutesTotal Time: 1 hour hour Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Ingredients1 cup all-purpose flour2 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon fine sea salt3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutemg1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed1/3 cup granulated sugar2 large eggs, lightly beaten1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractApple Topping:1 large Granny Smith apple, cored, thinly sliced1/4 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonsifted powdered sugar, to garnish Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut parchment paper so that it is about 2 inches larger than the pan. Line 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over the edges. Lightly coat with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined. Add flour mixture and stir until just combined.Transfer batter to prepared cake pan. Use the back of a spoon or a mini offset spatula to evenly distribute batter in pan.Apple Topping: In a small bowl whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Add sliced apples. Toss to coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange apple slices on top of batter in desired configuration.Bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Unmold by lifting excess parchment paper overhang. Allow to cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with powdered sugar, if desired. NotesADAPTED FROM MAD HUNGRY: FEEDING BOYS AND MEN BY LUCINDA SCALA QUINN Author: Maryanne Cabrera Did you make this recipe?Show us on Instagram! Tag @littleepicurean and hashtag #littleepicurean.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says: October 28, 2014 What an absolutely stunning cake! I love this! Reply
Millie+|+Add+A+Little says: October 28, 2014 This looks super delicious and looks beautiful! I love the addition of the cinnamon to the topping too – perfect for fall! Reply
Maryanne Cabrera says: October 30, 2014 Thanks Millie! It’s the time of the year when I like to put cinnamon on everything!
Carmen says: October 28, 2014 Hola Mary: the recipe looks delicious!!!!! You know I prepared another like this, very similar, in my recipe have not brown sugar, When it is finished out of the oven I put on it the “make up” which I prepared with 2 spoons of mermelade o f damascus, 2 spoons of sugar and 2 spoons of water, I put on the fire and mix all the preparation, later I put it on the cake, and looks very pretty!!! kisses for you Mary!!!!!! Reply
THE HUNGRY MUM says: October 28, 2014 wow, your brain is amazing to be able to shuttle back and forth like that with different tasks! And this cake looks divine. Reply
Thanh-Ly says: October 29, 2014 I found your blog thanks to Foodgawker and I thought that I had to tell you that your blog is amazing ! Your photos are just wonderful. I will put a link in my favorites blogs. Thanh-Ly Reply
Annie+@+ciaochowbambina says: October 29, 2014 This looks so delicious! Any recipe that brings together apples, cinnamon and brown sugar is a favorite of mine! Pinning! Reply
Judy P says: October 29, 2014 Is it called a German Apple Cake because it looks like a apple Kuchen? Reply
Michael says: November 3, 2014 Your 2nd photo seems to include more than just one apple or are the slices extraordinary thin…. Reply
Mélina says: November 11, 2014 I just found your blog thanks to this apple pie and I want to eat eeeeverything that you’ve made, it looks absolutely delicious! And soon as buy apple, I will make this pie. Reply
Danielle says: October 6, 2015 Would the recipe still come out as well if you used a different kind of apple, say honey crisp or gala perhaps? Let me know, please and thank you!! Reply