Elegant German Apple Shortbread Cake
This inspired recipe, adapted from Mrs. Vollmer's original version in the St. David's School Cookbook (1974), has become a beloved staple in my kitchen for over three decades. The delightful combination of a buttery shortbread crust and sweet, tender apples results in a cake that is both elegant and satisfying—perfect for gatherings or special occasions. With a rich, melt-in-your-mouth pastry base and a luscious apple filling enhanced with apricot jam and cinnamon, this cake is a showstopper that needs no whipped cream, though a dollop would certainly complement its deliciousness. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or an indulgent snack, this cake will win over the hearts of your family and friends with its classic flavors and beautiful presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet butter
1 lb (softened)
granulated sugar
1 cup
egg yolks
4
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
unbleached white flour
4-5 cups
apples
5 lbs ((combination of Granny Smith and Mackintosh, peeled and sliced))
apricot jam
8 ounces (warmed)
fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
sugar
1 cup
slivered almonds
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
For the crust, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
3
Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
4
Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently by hand until a soft dough forms.
5
Press the dough into a 12-inch rectangular Pyrex baking dish, evenly covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
6
For the filling, peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar until coated.
7
To prepare the apricot jam, warm it gently either by placing the jar in a pot of simmering water or microwaving it in short intervals until it’s fluid.
8
Spread half of the warmed apricot jam evenly across the surface of the prepared crust.
9
Arrange the seasoned apple slices on top of the jam in overlapping rows, keeping the prettiest slices for the top layer.
10
Once arranged, brush the remaining apricot jam over the apples to create a shiny glaze.
11
Sprinkle slivered almonds over the top, if desired.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant German Apple Shortbread Cake?
It is a rich dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of apricot jam, and seasoned apple slices baked to golden perfection.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from Mrs. Vollmer's version in the St. David's School Cookbook from 1974.
What kind of apples work best for this cake?
A combination of Granny Smith and Mackintosh apples is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How much butter is required for the shortbread crust?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sweet butter, which should be softened before mixing.
What is the baking temperature for this apple cake?
The cake should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake the cake?
The cake typically takes about 1 hour to bake, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 12-inch rectangular Pyrex baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the apricot jam for the recipe?
Warm the apricot jam gently in a microwave or a pot of simmering water until it becomes fluid.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the apples should be peeled, cored, and thinly sliced before being tossed with seasonings.
What seasonings are used for the apple filling?
The apple slices are tossed with fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 cup of sugar.
How many egg yolks are in the crust?
The shortbread crust requires 4 egg yolks.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe uses 4 to 5 cups of unbleached white flour.
How is the apricot jam used in the assembly?
Half the jam is spread on the raw crust, and the other half is brushed over the apples to create a glaze.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1/2 cup of slivered almonds over the top before baking if desired.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that is both buttery and elegant.
How should the apple slices be arranged?
Arrange them in overlapping rows on top of the jam, saving the prettiest slices for the top layer.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the crust mixture.
Does the cake need to be served with whipped cream?
The cake is delicious on its own and needs no whipped cream, though a dollop certainly complements it.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is used to coat the apples, providing a bright flavor and preventing them from browning.
Is there salt in the shortbread crust?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the crust ingredients.
How much sugar is needed for the crust?
The crust requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How much sugar is used in the apple filling?
One cup of sugar is used to coat the 5 lbs of sliced apples.
How do I mix the flour into the dough?
The flour should be incorporated gradually and mixed gently by hand until a soft dough forms.
Can I use a different type of jam?
While apricot jam is traditional for this recipe to provide a shiny glaze and specific flavor, other fruit preserves could be substituted.
How long has the creator been making this recipe?
The creator has been making this recipe for over three decades.
How high should I press the dough up the sides of the dish?
The dough should cover the bottom of the dish evenly and extend slightly up the sides.
What tags are associated with this dessert?
Tags include german cake, apple dessert, shortbread, party dessert, and fall flavors.
Is the apricot jam applied before or after the apples?
It is applied both before the apples (to the crust) and after the apples (as a top glaze).
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Yes, its beautiful presentation and classic flavors make it a showstopper for special occasions.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.