German apple cake with streusel topping recipe is to indulge in a delectable treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with a crumbly streusel topping. German Apple Cake is a must-try German dessert. This article will guide you through an easy recipe to create this mouthwatering cake, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your baking success.
What is German Apple Cake?
German Apple Cake, or “Apfelkuchen,” known in Germany, is a traditional dessert that has gained popularity worldwide. This cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with the flavors of juicy apples. The crowning glory of this delightful treat is the streusel topping, which adds a delightful crunch and an additional layer of sweetness.
The Popularity of German Apple Cake
German apple cake has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across the globe. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures has made it a beloved dessert for casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, this cake will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
German Apple Streusel Cake Recipe
Ingredients for German Apple Cake
To make a tasty German Apple Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
Making the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to the German Apple Cake. Here’s how to make it:
- Combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Cut in ¼ cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside until ready to use.
Preparing the Apple Filling
The apple filling is the star of the German Apple Cake. Follow these steps to prepare it:
- Toss the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Set aside and let the apples macerate for about 15 minutes. This process enhances the flavor of the apples and helps them release their juices.
Mixing the Cake Batter
Now, let’s move on to preparing the cake batter:
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Assembling and Baking the Cake
The final steps involve assembling the cake and baking it to perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Arrange the apple filling over the batter, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, covering them completely.
- Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the streusel topping.
- Bake the cake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
To ensure your German Apple Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choosing the Right Apples
- Selecting the right apple type is crucial for your cake’s success. Opt for varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, which have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness and hold their shape well during baking.
- Properly Measuring Ingredients
- Accurate measurements are essential in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for liquids. Level off the ingredients with a straight edge to ensure precision.
- Handling the Streusel Topping
- When making the streusel topping, avoid overmixing the butter and flour mixture. Leaving some small chunks of butter intact is important to achieve the desired crumbly texture.
- Achieving Moistness in the cake
- To ensure a moist and tender cake, avoid overbaking. Test the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. The cake is ready if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Serve and Enjoy the best german apple cake with streusel topping
Serving Suggestions
German Apple Cake can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm or at room temperature, plain or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and flavors will elevate your dessert experience.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, store the German Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for a few minutes.
Also Read: The Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
FAQs
When choosing apples for your apple cake, it’s important to pick the right variety to ensure a delicious and moist result. Some of the best apple varieties for baking apple cake include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold. These apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, adding flavor depth to your cake. They also hold their shape well during baking, maintaining a pleasant texture. Whether you prefer a slightly tangy cake or a sweeter one, these apple varieties will complement the overall taste and provide a delightful apple flavor in every bite.
Apple cake is a wonderful treat that can be enjoyed for several days if stored properly. Generally, when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, apple cake can stay fresh for up to three to four days. To prolong its shelf life, you can also refrigerate the cake, extending its freshness for up to a week. If you want to enjoy your apple cake longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag or container. When frozen, apple cake can last up to three months without sacrificing taste and texture. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Sweetango apples are indeed a good choice for baking. These apples, a cross between the Honeycrisp and Zestar varieties, possess a delightful sweetness with a hint of tartness. Their firm texture and juicy nature make them ideal for baking, as they hold up well during cooking. Sweetango apples add a unique flavor profile to your baked goods, infusing them with a pleasant sweetness and a touch of tang. Whether you’re making apple cake, pie, or muffins, Sweetango apples can provide a delicious recipe twist. So go ahead and give them a try in your next baking adventure!
Irish apple cake is a traditional dessert from Ireland, known for its simplicity and delicious flavors. This cake typically consists of basic ingredients easily found in Irish households. The main components of Irish apple cake include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and, of course, apples. The apples are usually sliced or diced and incorporated into the cake batter, providing moisture and a burst of apple flavor. Additionally, Irish apple cake often incorporates warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which add a comforting aroma and depth to the overall taste. It is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or accompanied by a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Irish apple cake is a delightful treat that celebrates apples’ simplicity and natural sweetness.
The name “apple cake” is quite straightforward and reflects the primary ingredient of the dessert. As the name suggests, apple cake is a type that prominently features apples as a key component in its recipe. The term “apple cake” describes a variety of cakes that incorporate apples in different forms, such as diced, sliced, or pureed. The apples provide moisture, natural sweetness, and a distinct flavor to the cake, creating a delightful combination of tastes and textures. The name “apple cake” helps differentiate this type of cake from others containing different fruits or flavors. It is a simple and descriptive name that allows people to easily identify and understand the essence of the dessert.
Yes, you can use eating apples instead of cooking apples in certain recipes, such as apple cake. Eating apples, also known as dessert apples or table apples, are generally sweeter and milder in flavor than cooking apples. While cooking apples are more acidic and hold their shape well during cooking, eating apples tends to be softer and have higher sugar content. When using eating apples in baking, they can provide a naturally sweet and tender texture to your cake. However, it’s important to note that eating apples may break down more during baking, resulting in a slightly softer and moister cake than cooking apples. If you prefer a firmer texture or a more tart flavor, you may still cook apples. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the apple cake.
The number of apples needed to yield 4 cups depends on various factors, such as the size of the apples and how they are sliced or diced. A medium-sized apple typically yields about 1 cup of sliced or diced apples. Therefore, to obtain 4 cups of sliced or diced apples, you would need approximately 4 medium-sized apples. However, it’s essential to note that apple sizes can vary, so it’s always a good idea to measure the volume of the sliced or diced apples to ensure accuracy. Additionally, if the recipe calls for grated or pureed apples, the quantity may differ, and you might need more or fewer apples.
While apple cake and pie feature the beloved fruit as a key ingredient, there are distinct differences between these classic desserts. The main distinction lies in their preparation and presentation. Apple cake is a moist and fluffy baked dessert incorporating diced or sliced apples into the batter. It typically has a soft, crumbly texture and is often served in slices. On the other hand, apple pie consists of a pastry crust filled with sliced apples, sugar, spices, and sometimes thickening agents like flour or cornstarch. It is usually baked in a pie dish and served in wedges. The apple pie crust adds a flaky buttery element to the dessert, while the cake focuses more on the apple flavor infused into the batter.
Conclusion
German Apple Cake with Streusel Topping is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples with a delightful crunch. With its easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you can now create this delicious treat in the comfort of your kitchen. Surprise your family and friends with a homemade German Apple Cake that will have them asking for seconds!