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–+ servings
A baked German Apple Kuchen tart sprinkled with powdered sugar sits on a wooden board, with walnuts and an apple in the background.
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Easy German Apple Kuchen

A simple German Apple Kuchen made with a tender buttery cake batter, thinly sliced apples, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. This easy apple cake is a reader-loved recipe that’s perfect with coffee, tea, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 322kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 small apples peeled, cored, and sliced thinly

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional and to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease an 8-inch cake pan or tart pan with nonstick spray for easy removal.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg, and milk, and beat until thoroughly combined.
  • Add the flour and baking powder; mix until just combined.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Arrange the apples in concentric circles and press them into the batter, letting it come slightly up the sides of the pan. Sprinkle with as much of the cinnamon-sugar mixture topping as desired. You can also, optionally, sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the top. 
  • Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes or until nicely browned. Let cool completely. Drizzle with an Icing Glaze made up of confectioner’s sugar and water if desired.

Notes

  1. Pan Prep: Line the bottom of the pan with parchment for easier removal.
  2. Topping: Use the cinnamon-sugar topping to taste; you may not need it all.
  3. Walnuts: Add up to ½ cup chopped walnuts over the apples before baking, if desired.
  4. Flavor Enhancer: For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter.
  5. Custard: Some traditional apple kuchen recipes include a custard layer, but this version is intentionally simple and cake-like, without one.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 443IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg