This German apple cake is super moist, topped with tender caramelized apples, and spiced with cozy cinnamon. It’s the perfect cake to celebrate fall!
If you go apple picking every fall, you know this truth: there is no such thing as too many apple recipes. So I present to you this German apple cake to go with your apple crumble bars and homemade cinnamon applesauce. I love this cake because it’s simple—no fancy decorating or layering needed!—and the apples really take center stage. They bake up tender and caramelized in the oven, and they also help contribute to the overall moistness of this cake. Perfection!
Why You’ll Love This German Apple Cake Recipe
- Simply delicious. There’s nothing fussy or fancy about this cake, and that’s what makes it so good. The rustic appearance gives way to fantastic apple flavor.
- Perfect for fall. With warm cinnamon and tender apples, this German apple cake is the perfect dessert to enjoy during cozy season.
- Easy to make. This simple apple cake recipe doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills. It comes together quickly and with minimal effort, which is the best kind of dessert if you ask me!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
For the Cake:
- Granny Smith apple – Although you can leave the skin on if you’d like, I think the cake is better without it.
- Lemon juice – I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled; it has a more vibrant flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Or a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour.
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Eggs – Let these come to room temperature before you get started.
- Olive oil – Using olive oil in this German apple cake helps give it a tender crumb.
- Coconut sugar
- Whole milk – Or an unsweetened plant milk.
For the Topping:
- Coconut sugar
- Cinnamon
- Powdered sugar – To dust the top.
How to Make German Apple Cake
- Prep the apples. Toss the apples with the lemon juice in a bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a third bowl, beat the eggs, olive oil, coconut sugar, and milk on high speed.
- Finish the batter. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Assemble. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, then arrange the apples over the top. Sprinkle the apples with the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake. Bake at 375ºF for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve. Let the apple cake cool for 10 to 20 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Tips for Success
- Use a firm apple. If you don't use Granny Smith, make sure to use a firm apple that will hold up during baking. Pink Lady, Gala, and Braeburn are all great choices.
- Slice the apples thin. This ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly tender in the oven.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense texture. Mix until just combined for a light, tender cake.
Variations
- Switch up the spices. Cardamom would be lovely in this apple cake, or swap the ground cinnamon for apple pie spice.
- Try using pears. Asian pears are a great alternative to apples in this cake, as they also hold up well during baking.
- Make it nutty. Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for another layer of texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be the perfect accompaniment to this German apple cake.
How to Store
Store your German apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can wrap the cake tightly in the baking pan and store it that way.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, you can also freeze German apple cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer container or bag, or wrap the whole cake. Thaw in the refrigerator (or warm up individual slices in the microwave) before serving.
More Apple Recipes
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- Apple Upside Down Cake (Gluten-Free)
- Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crumb Pie
- Gluten-Free Fresh Apple Cake
German Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 large Granny Smith apple thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup quality olive oil
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk (or an unsweetened plant milk or your choosing)
For the topping
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and liberally grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss together the apples and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Beat the eggs, olive oil, coconut sugar, and milk on high speed until lightened in color.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and fan the apple slices out in a circular pattern over the top. Sprinkle with coconut sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the apple cake comes out clean.
- Let the apple cake sit for 10-20 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar, slicing, and serving.
Nutrition
