It is not unusual for traditional German cakes with fruit, especially with apples and plums, to have a yeasted pastry base. Mostly these cakes are large sheet cakes meant to serve a crowd; a yeasted dough base was more economical than a butter-based batter or pastry crust. While the dough of these cakes is usually not very sweet, the streusel topping that is often added makes up for it. Yeasted dough tastes fresh the same day but if you freeze the cake within a few hours, let it thaw and pop it in the hot oven for just a few minutes to crisp up the dough — it will taste almost as good as freshly baked.
I fell in love with apfelkuchen when I was in 6th grade. Our teacher let us order from a local German bakery and eat our treats in class once a month. These flavors bring back wonderful memories.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅛ cups warm milk
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 large apples – peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- ¾ cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces candied lemon peel, chopped (Optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ cup butter
Directions
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Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch springform pan.
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Beat 2 ¼ cups 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.
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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.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Bake in preheated oven until cake is golden brown and apples are tender, about 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 370 | Calories |
| 14g | Fat |
| 57g | Carbs |
| 5g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 12 | |
| Calories 370 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium 136mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrate 57g | 21% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 9% |
| Total Sugars 30g | |
| Protein 5g | 9% |
| Vitamin C 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium 47mg | 4% |
| Iron 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium 160mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
