Sometimes you crave the cozy flavors of the good old days, right? What better than a traditional German apple cake – or as we call it here, Apfelkuchen – just like grandma used to bake? This old-fashioned German apple cake recipe is quick to make and tastes absolutely heavenly. Soft, buttery dough, juicy cinnamon apples, and a golden crumble topping make it a true comfort dessert that instantly takes you back to your childhood.
If you’ve ever searched for the best German apple cake or even a version inspired by Rick Stein’s German apple cake or Taste of Home, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to bake again and again.
Oh, and here’s my tip: pair a slice with a cup of coffee and a generous dollop of whipped cream for pure bliss. Or go all in with vanilla ice cream. Or both. No judgment here.
Quick & Easy – Stress-Free Baking
Not only delicious, but this German apple cake recipe is also superfast to prepare. In less than two hours, you’ll have a cake that looks like it came straight from a bakery, yet is simple enough for a weekday afternoon. Perfect for when time is tight but you still want to serve something special.
The Perfect Combo: Juicy Apples & Crunchy Crumble
The Perfect Combo: Juicy Apples & Crunchy Crumble
The sliced apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon add just the right sweetness and aroma. The buttery crumble made from cold butter, flour, and sugar bakes into a golden, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling. This combination is what makes German apple crumble cake such a classic – simple, rustic, and utterly irresistible.
My Tip: How to Make It Even Better:
Let the cake cool before slicing, so the flavors can develop fully and the crumble stays crisp. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, it’s delicious every way.
Which Apples Are Best for German Apple Cake?
For the perfect German apple cake, you want apples that hold their shape when baked, yet offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Classic choices in Germany are Boskoop, Elstar, and Cox Orange – their firm texture and slightly tangy flavor pair beautifully with the buttery crumble topping. If you’re outside Germany, Braeburn or Honeycrisp are great options. The tartness cuts through the sweetness of the cake, while the firmness keeps the apple slices from turning mushy.
Here you will find the recipe:
Apple Crumble Cake
Just a heads up: I use grams and Celsius degrees in all my recipes, as I’m based in Germany.
Equipment
- 1 springform pan 26 cm
Ingredients
Base
- 250 g flour
- 125 g sugar
- 125 g soft butter
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 g butter to grease the pan
Filling:
- 4-5 whole apples peeled and cut into slices
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Crumbles
- 100 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 75 g butter cold, cut in little cubes
Instructions
Base:
- Mix flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, baking powder, and salt into a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.250 g flour, 125 g sugar, 125 g soft butter, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch salt, 1 whole egg
- Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F) conventional, 160 °C (320 °F) fan oven.
Filling:
- Wash, peel, core and thinly slice the apples. Toss with sugar and cinnamon.4-5 whole apples, 1 Tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp sugar
- Grease your springform pan with butter. Press dough evenly on the base, forming a small edge. Spread apple mixture on top.5 g butter
Crumbles
- Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter to crumble topping. Sprinkle evenly over apples.100 g flour, 50 g sugar, 75 g butter
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown.Let cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream if you like.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional values are automatically calculated – I use them as a rough guide myself when I want to keep track.
Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Why you’ll love this German apple cake with crumbs:
- Quick & easy: Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
- Nostalgic flavor: Reminds you of grandma’s kitchen.
- Versatile: Delicious with cream, ice cream, or plain.
- Year-round favorite: A classic for every season.
And of course the smell! I mean, butter, cinnamon and apples. A match made in heaven if you ask me. And I have some more amazing apple recipes, take a look at this creamy Apple Custard Cake- the perfect cake for your next Sunday coffee or Cinnamon Apple Sheet Cake. Both are divine and have that incredible apple and cinnamon combination!
Here you will find some frequently asked questions:
Can I substitute spelt flour for wheat flour?
Yes, spelt flour works well and gives a slightly nuttier flavor.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, please! Use pears or peaches work well as alternatives.
How should I store the cake?
You can keep the German apple cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
love, Sabrina 💛
