Grandma Geldner's Classic German Apple Cake
This delightful recipe for Grandma Geldner's Classic German Apple Cake brings the warmth of family traditions right to your kitchen. With her rich German heritage, Grandma always knew how to create comforting treats that delighted everyone. This cake features a buttery, flaky crust topped with tender slices of baking apples, lightly spiced and sweetened to perfection. It's as simple as it is delicious, making it a favorite dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience!
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking apples (Granny Smith or other)
4-5 cups (peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges)
White flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (for the crust)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (cut into pieces for the crust)
Egg
1 (beaten with milk)
Milk
2 tablespoons (for mixing with the egg)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for dotting on apples)
Sugar
3/4 cup (for the topping)
White flour
1 1/2 tablespoons (for the topping)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for the topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/4 cups of flour, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and salt. Sift the mixture once to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
3
Using a pastry blender, cut 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
4
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. Pour this egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined into a soft dough.
5
Grease or oil a 9x13-inch baking dish and press the dough evenly into the bottom, creating a crust.
6
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin wedges. Arrange the apple slices over the dough in rows, ensuring to overlap thin ends with thick ends for a beautiful presentation.
7
Dot the apples with 2 tablespoons of butter, then in a separate bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon.
8
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and the apples tender. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
55
Carbs
3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Geldner's Classic German Apple Cake?
It is a traditional German dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust topped with tender, spiced baking apples.
What are the primary ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made from white flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, an egg, and a small amount of milk.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need approximately 4 to 5 cups of apples that have been peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges.
Which apple variety is recommended for this cake?
Granny Smith apples or other firm baking apples are ideal for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the dry ingredients for the base?
You should mix 1 1/4 cups of flour, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and salt, then sift them together once.
What is the method for incorporating butter into the flour?
Use a pastry blender to cut 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
How is the dough bound together?
Whisk one egg with 2 tablespoons of milk and stir it into the dry crumbly mixture until a soft dough forms.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is necessary for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease or oil the baking dish before pressing the dough into it.
How should the dough be placed in the pan?
The dough should be pressed evenly into the bottom of the dish to create a uniform crust.
How should the apple slices be arranged?
Arrange the wedges in rows over the dough, overlapping the thin ends with the thick ends for an attractive presentation.
What is the purpose of dotting the apples with butter?
Dotting with 2 tablespoons of butter adds richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon topping adhere during baking.
What are the components of the topping?
The topping is a mixture of 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 30 to 45 minutes in a preheated oven.
How can you tell when the cake is done?
The cake is finished when it is golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the best way to serve this German Apple Cake?
It is best served warm with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 320 calories.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does a serving provide?
Each serving has about 55 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this cake contain any protein?
Yes, there are 3 grams of protein in each serving.
What is the German name for this type of cake?
This type of traditional dessert is known as Apfel Kuchen in Germany.
Is this recipe considered a family tradition?
Yes, it is a classic family recipe passed down from Grandma Geldner, rooted in her German heritage.
Why is sifting the flour important?
Sifting ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour for a consistent crust.
What should the texture of the crust be?
The crust should be buttery and flaky, similar to a pastry base.
Can I use salted butter for the crust?
While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use salted butter if you reduce the added salt slightly.
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Yes, its simple preparation and comforting flavors make it a favorite for family dinners and social gatherings.
What is the preparation time for the apples?
The apples need to be peeled, cored, and sliced, which takes just a few minutes before arranging them.
Does the cake contain any fiber?
While not specified in the data, the use of 4-5 cups of apples typically provides some dietary fiber.
Can this cake be eaten cold?
While delicious warm, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature as a cozy snack.