Delight your taste buds with the classic German Apple Cake, or Versunkener Apfelkuchen—a timeless dessert that perfectly balances simplicity and sophistication. Featuring soft, tender slices of fresh apples, artfully arranged and baked into a buttery, golden sponge cake, this treat is both visually stunning and irresistibly flavorful. The apples, lightly spritzed with lemon juice, remain juicy and fragrant, while subtle notes of vanilla enhance the cake's delicate sweetness. With its quick prep time and the elegant touch of powdered sugar dusted on top, this easy yet impressive dessert is perfect for everything from casual coffee breaks to festive gatherings. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this versatile cake is a beloved gem of German baking traditions.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and quarter the apples. Use a knife to make thin, lengthwise slits on the rounded side of each apple quarter, being careful not to cut all the way through. Toss the apple quarters with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Arrange the apple quarters on top of the batter with the slitted side facing up. Press them gently into the batter, allowing them to sink slightly.
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and the apples tender.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the springform ring and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust the cake with powdered sugar for garnish before serving, if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Calories |
3091 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.2 g | 180% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.8 g | 414% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 890 mg | 296% | |
| Sodium | 1162 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 430.2 g | 156% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.9 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 245.5 g | ||
| Protein | 44.6 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 249 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1419 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.