A Classic Buttery Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Apples & Crisp Streusel Topping
This traditional German dessert features a tender sour cream cake base, layered with tart apples, and finished with a crunchy streusel topping—perfect with coffee or tea!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍏 Perfectly balanced – Tart apples + sweet cake + crunchy streusel
🇩🇪 Authentic flavor – Just like Oma used to make
☕ Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon coffee
🍂 Seasonal favorite – Best with fresh autumn apples
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake Base
| Quantity | Ingredient | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour | Structure |
| 1 cup | Granulated sugar | Sweetness |
| ½ cup | Unsalted butter | Richness |
| 3 | Eggs | Moisture & lift |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract | Flavor |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder | Leavening |
| ½ cup | Sour cream/yogurt | Tenderness |
Apple Layer
| 3 large | Apples (Granny Smith/Honeycrisp) | Tart & crisp |
| 1 tsp | Cinnamon | Warm spice |
Streusel Topping (Optional but Recommended!)
| ½ cup | Flour | Crunchy base |
| ¼ cup | Brown sugar | Caramel notes |
| ¼ cup | Cold butter | Flaky texture |
| ½ tsp | Cinnamon | Extra spice |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease & line a 9-inch springform pan
2. Make the Cake Batter
- Cream butter + sugar until fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt)
- Alternate adding dry mix & sour cream
3. Assemble the Cake
- Spread batter into pan
- Arrange apples in overlapping circles
- Sprinkle cinnamon over apples
4. Add Streusel (If Using)
- Mix flour + brown sugar + cinnamon
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly
- Sprinkle evenly over apples
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake 40–45 mins until golden
- Cool 10 mins before removing from pan
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional)
Pro Tips for the Best Apfelkuchen
Apple Selection
✔ Granny Smith – Holds shape, tart contrast
🍯 Honeycrisp – Naturally sweeter
Streusel Secrets
🧈 Use cold butter for perfect crumbs
✋ Don’t overmix – Keep it chunky
Serving Suggestions
🍨 Top with vanilla ice cream
☕ Pair with whipped cream & coffee
Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: 2 days (covered)
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months (wrap tightly)
To Reheat:
- Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 10 mins
- Microwave: 15–20 sec per slice
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution
Soggy bottom | Pre-bake crust 5 mins
Dry cake | Don’t overmix batter
Apples sinking | Toss in 1 tbsp flour first
Final Chef’s Secret: For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apples!
This classic German cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, spiced, and just sweet enough. The tender cake, juicy apples, and buttery streusel create the perfect bite every time.
Perfect for: Sunday brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in!
Tag your creations #GermanAppleKuchen! 🍎🇩🇪
