This delightful German apple cake is a perfect blend of tender apples and a moist, buttery cake. It's an ideal dessert for any occasion, offering a taste of traditional German baking that will impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet apples and a hint of vanilla makes this cake irresistible.
Most of the ingredients for this German apple cake are common pantry staples. However, make sure you have fresh apples on hand, as they are the star of the recipe. If you don't usually keep vanilla extract in your kitchen, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. Also, ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Ingredients For German Apple Cake
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake, balancing the tartness of the apples.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the apples.
Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
Apples: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and texture.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the apples for the German apple cake, make sure to slice them uniformly. This ensures even baking and a consistent texture throughout the cake. Additionally, consider tossing the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of the cake.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to maintain the texture and structure of the cake.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture to the cake.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can enhance the flavor with its mineral content.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option and adds a slight coconut flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used in the same quantity as butter.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of applesauce per egg to add moisture and a slight apple flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the cake.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, sweet flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears provide a similar texture and sweetness, adding a slightly different flavor profile.
apples - Substitute with peaches: Peaches can be used for a different but equally delicious fruit flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Cake
Allow the German apple cake to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the cake sets properly and prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an additional layer of protection against air and moisture.
Store the cake at room temperature if you plan to consume it within 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For longer storage, place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week when refrigerated, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze the German apple cake, first ensure it is well-wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its storage time. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the cake's texture and flavor.
For a quicker thaw, you can leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours. However, avoid using a microwave as it can make the cake soggy.
Once thawed, you can refresh the cake by warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore its delightful texture and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover German Apple Cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly crisp top.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of German Apple Cake on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through to avoid overheating.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Add a small amount of butter to the skillet.
- Place a slice of German Apple Cake in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
- Be careful not to burn the cake; adjust the heat as necessary.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the German Apple Cake on a piece of parchment paper or directly on the toaster oven tray.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overheat.
- For a crispier texture, you can toast it for an additional 2-3 minutes without parchment paper.
Steam Method:
- Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming rack and a small amount of water.
- Place the German Apple Cake on a heatproof plate and put it in the steamer.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cake is warmed through.
- This method helps retain moisture, making the cake soft and tender.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Hand mixer: Helps to mix the butter, eggs, and other ingredients until smooth.
Spatula: Useful for folding in the sliced apples into the batter.
Baking pan: The container where the batter is poured and baked.
Peeler: Used to peel the apples before slicing them.
Knife: Essential for slicing the apples evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for peeling and slicing the apples.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is baked through by inserting it into the center.
Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all flour, sugar, and other ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the butter into the dry ingredients using a food processor to save time.
Prep apples in advance: Peel and slice the apples the night before and store them in the fridge.
Room temperature butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
One-bowl method: Combine all wet ingredients in one bowl and dry ingredients in another, then mix together to reduce cleanup time.
German Apple Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the sliced apples.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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