Versunkener Apfelkuchen - this easy German apple cake recipe solves every host's nightmare: unexpected guests, only basic ingredients in your pantry, and you are short of time. Sounds familiar?
My mother mastered situations like this perfectly. Her sunken apple cake recipe is fail-proof and never fails to impress. A fluffy and moist buttery cake, topped with caramelized fan-sliced apples, filling the house with the scent of almonds and vanilla. Each bite is the perfect contrast of a fluffy sponge cake and the moist,sweet-tart apple slices that taste of fall.
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Inside Germany's Sweet Apple Cake Culture
We adore apples in Germany. Not only are there many varieties available, but they are also available throughout the year. No surprise that we also have a lot of apple cake variations, such as apple streusel cake (with crumbs), the German Apple Pie (also known as Versunkener Apfelkuchen), or Apple Strudel.
This cake is called Versunkener Apfelkuchen (translated Sunken Apple Cake) because the apples are placed on the batter which rises around them when the cake bakes, so the apples look "sunken in".
Kaffee und Kuchen is Germany's afternoon coffee tradition. A coffee break at 3 pm, a slice of cake to share and a little moment of peace away from the everyday demands. This cake is also a traditional "Mittwochskuchen" (Wednesday Cake) - a cake that is so quick and easy to prepare, you can make it in the middle of the week.
How to make Versunkener Apfelkuchen
For the detailed instructions and exact measurements, please jump to the printable recipe card
Ingredients you'll need:
- Apples - Slightly tart apples work best for this type of cake. Choose apples that hold their shape when being baked and do not disintegrate with heat. Recommended varieties include Boskop, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Bramley, Elstar, and Jonagold.
- lemon juice - to prevent the sliced apple from browning
- butter - unsalted and at room temperature
- Granulated Sugar
- eggs - medium size
- milk - can be substituted with cream
- flavorings: vanilla extract, almond extract (affiliate link), ground cinnamon (affiliate link)
- flour: Germany 405, UK plain flour, USA all-purpose
- pinch salt & baking powder
To serve
- 50 g powdered sugar
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the apples: Peel and core the apples. Quarter them and then make thin lengthwise incisions without cutting through them to create a "fan effect." Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
2. Prepare the cake batter: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla, almond extract (affiliate link), and milk. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder (affiliate link), and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix briefly until just combined.
- Assemble the cake: Line springform pan bottom with parchment and grease sides. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Arrange fanned apple quarters on top, rounded side up. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F. Bake 40-45 minutes (10-inch pan) or 55-60 minutes (9-inch pan). Test doneness with a skewer-it should come out clean.
Recipe Variations
- Coat the German apple cake with apricot jam: Slightly warm the apricot jam to make it easier to spread. Then, using a pastry brush (affiliate link) coat the top of the cake with the jam. This gives it an extra fruity flavor and makes it last longer. Also your top will have a lovely shine to it.
- Sprinkle the cake with slivered almonds. Just before baking you can sprinkle the cake with some slivered almonds. This gives an extra nutty flavour and crunch.
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Serve Sunken Apple Cake Like a True German
Serve your cake at room temperature or slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a generous dollop of fresh Schlagsahne (German whipped cream).
Germans take their whipped cream seriously-use heavy cream with at least 35% fat content, add a touch of vanilla sugar (not extract!), and whip until it holds soft peaks. The cream should be light and airy, never over-whipped into butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
This cake actually tastes better the next day as the apple juices meld with the tender crumb, making it perfect for entertaining.
I often the morning, or the day before my guests arrive knowing that the cake will still taste lovley moist and fresh.
Store the cake at room temperature: At room temperature, covered, it stays fresh for 3-4 days. In humid weather, refrigerate after day 1. The cake actually tastes better on day 2 as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container but avoid wrapping while warm as this creates condensation and sticky tops.
More German Recipes with Apple
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You'll help fellow readers enjoy it too and help me spread the word about German cuisine. - Marita x
Recipe
Versunkener Apfelkuchen - Easy German Apple Cake Works everytime!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Apples (such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jonagold - about 700 g/ 1½ lbs)
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¾ cups (200 g) butter unsalted, at room temperature
- 2 cups (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 eggs medium size, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (affiliate link)
- 2 cups (250 g) flour Germany 405, UK plain flour, USA all purpose
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
To serve
- ⅖ cups (50 g) powderd sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter.
- Peel and core the apples, then quarter them. Using a sharp knife, make thin lengthwise cuts about ⅛-inch apart without cutting all the way through, creating a "fan effect." Brush with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.3 Apples , 1 lemon
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract (affiliate link), almond extract (affiliate link), and milk.¾ cups butter, 2 cups granulated sugar , 4 eggs, 3 tablespoon whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link) , 1 teaspoon almond extract (affiliate link)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder (affiliate link), and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix briefly until just combined-don't overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Arrange the fanned apple quarters on top of the batter with the rounded side facing up, fitting them snugly together.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes (10-inch pan) or 55-60 minutes (9-inch pan), until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.⅖ cups powderd sugar
Video
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Nutrition
Made this recipe?Drop a ⭐ rating and a quick comment below. I personally read and reply to every review!
Anna Towers says
I made this. So quick ad easy. Delicious! 🍎
Marita Sinden says
Thank you for your feedback! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Gloria Swift says
I've made this cake quite a few times! Easy, delicious, and great to have on hand when company comes by!
Marita Sinden says
Hi Gloria, thank you for your comment. I am so happy to receive your feedback. I am glad you liked it.