Deluxe German Apple Cream Cake
Indulge in the flavors of Germany with this Deluxe German Apple Cream Cake. This delightful treat features tender, tart apples baked into a rich, buttery batter, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Enhanced with a hint of lemon and vanilla, it's perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature the next day. Traditionally served with lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with vanilla sugar, this cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. The recipe comes from 'Backen macht Freude', a beloved German baking book that inspires joy in every bite. Delight your friends and family with this easy-to-make dessert that truly shines.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
small tart apples
2 lbs (peeled, quartered, and cored)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
raisins
1/8 cup (optional)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
butter
9 tablespoons (at room temperature)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (fine)
grated fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon (from organic lemons)
small eggs
3 (large, room temperature)
flour
1 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
flour
5 tablespoons (all-purpose, for batter adjustment)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (double-acting)
milk
1-2 tablespoons (for batter consistency)
apricot preserves
2 tablespoons (for glaze)
water
1 tablespoon (for melting glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 11-inch springform pan with butter.
2
Prepare the apple topping by peeling, quartering, and coring the apples. Make lengthwise cuts on the outer rounded side, ensuring each quarter holds together while allowing it to cook faster.
3
Brush the apple quarters with lemon juice to prevent browning, and set aside.
4
In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder and mix well.
5
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 9 tablespoons of room temperature butter, 3/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
6
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Continue to mix until the batter is light yellow and has increased in volume.
7
Gradually add half of the flour mixture and 1 tablespoon of milk to the batter, mixing just until incorporated.
8
Add the remaining flour and mix until the dough achieves a consistency that slowly drops from a spoon, forming long tips. If the dough is too firm, add another tablespoon of milk; if it's too soft, add a tablespoon of flour.
9
Pour the batter into the greased springform pan and use a wet spatula to smooth the surface.
10
Arrange the apple quarters, rounded side up, on top of the batter, leaving a 1/2 inch rim along the edges. The apples will sink into the batter as it bakes.
11
Gently brush the apples with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with raisins if desired.
12
Bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. While it's cooling, melt the apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat, then strain through a sieve to remove any solids.
14
Brush the warm cake with the melted apricot glaze, then carefully remove it from the springform pan, allowing it to cool completely.
15
Serve the cake slices with freshly whipped cream sweetened with vanilla sugar for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deluxe German Apple Cream Cake?
It is a traditional German dessert featuring tender, tart apples baked into a rich, buttery batter with hints of lemon and vanilla.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 pounds of small tart apples.
How should I prepare the apples?
Apples should be peeled, quartered, and cored. You should make lengthwise cuts on the outer rounded side of each quarter without cutting all the way through.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
What size pan is required for this apple cake?
An 11-inch springform pan greased with butter is recommended.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
Brush the apple quarters with 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is from 'Backen macht Freude', a beloved and famous German baking book.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe calls for 3 small eggs at room temperature.
What is the correct consistency for the cake dough?
The dough should achieve a consistency that slowly drops from a spoon, forming long tips.
What should I do if the batter is too firm?
If the dough is too firm, add another tablespoon of milk.
What should I do if the batter is too soft?
If the dough is too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake in the middle of the oven for 40 to 50 minutes.
How do I test if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the purpose of the apricot preserves?
The apricot preserves are melted and strained to create a glaze that is brushed onto the warm cake.
Are raisins included in this recipe?
Raisins are optional; you can sprinkle 1/8 cup over the apples before baking if desired.
What should I serve with the Deluxe German Apple Cream Cake?
It is traditionally served with freshly whipped cream sweetened with vanilla sugar.
Can I use imitation vanilla?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
How do I arrange the apples on the batter?
Arrange them rounded side up, leaving a 1/2 inch rim along the edges of the pan.
Should the butter for the batter be melted?
No, the 9 tablespoons of butter for the batter should be at room temperature for creaming.
What is the melted butter used for?
The 2 tablespoons of melted butter are used to brush the apples before the cake goes into the oven.
Does this cake contain lemon zest?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of grated fresh lemon zest, preferably from organic lemons.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour.
How do I smooth the batter in the pan?
Use a wet spatula to smooth the surface once the batter is poured into the springform pan.
Do the apples stay on top of the cake after baking?
The apples will naturally sink into the batter as the cake bakes.
How do I prepare the apricot glaze?
Melt 2 tablespoons of apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat and strain through a sieve.
When should the apricot glaze be applied?
Brush the glaze onto the cake while the cake is still warm.
Can this cake be eaten the next day?
Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature the next day.
What beverages pair well with this cake?
It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
Is the baking powder specific?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of double-acting baking powder.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this Deluxe German Apple Cream Cake.