Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

This authentic German dessert uses a yeasted dough, rather than a batter, but only needs about 30 minutes to rise. It's less sweet than other cakes, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, too.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 370 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 3 large apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 ⅛ cups warm milk
• 2 ounces candied lemon peel, chopped (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch springform pan.

Step 3

Beat 2 1/4 cup flour, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, 6 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract, and 1 pinch salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high until dough is smooth, about 5 minutes; spread into baking dish and press dough up the sides. Press apple slices into dough.

Step 4

Mix 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, candied lemon peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 pinch salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a knife or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle over apples. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven until cake is golden brown and apples are tender, about 35 minutes.