German Apple Cake. Recipe
German Apple Cake, also known as Apfelkuchen, is a delicious and traditional dessert that originated in Germany. This cake is loved for its moist and tender texture, comforting flavors, and the use of fresh apples. It is a dessert that is perfect for any time of the year, but especially enjoyed during the fall season when apples are in abundance.
Fun fact: Germany is one of the largest apple producers in Europe, with a wide variety of apple orchards spread throughout the country. Apples have been a staple in German cuisine for centuries, making them an integral part of many traditional recipes, including this delightful apple cake.
Now, let's jump right into the recipe for German Apple Cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand using a wooden spoon.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
7. Spread half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples over the batter, overlapping them as necessary.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sliced apples.
9. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apples, covering them completely.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and serve. This cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Now that you have a delicious German Apple Cake recipe, why not try out some other popular apple-based desserts from around the world?
- French Apple Tart: A classic French dessert that features thinly sliced apples arranged in a beautiful spiral pattern on top of a buttery crust. It is typically served with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
- Dutch Apple Pie: A beloved American dessert that has its roots in Dutch cuisine. It consists of a deep-dish pie crust filled with sweetened and spiced apple slices. The topping is a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Polish Apple Pancakes: Known as "racuchy," these fluffy pancakes are made with grated apples and served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dollop of sour cream.
- Swedish Apple Cake: A light and simple cake that showcases the natural sweetness of apples. It is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream.
All of these apple-based desserts are delicious in their own way and will surely satisfy your apple cravings. Whether you choose the comforting German Apple Cake or decide to explore other apple dishes, each of these recipes is a wonderful way to savor the delightful flavors of this versatile fruit. Enjoy!
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