When it comes to fall baking, few desserts can rival the comforting aroma of apples and almonds. This Apple Amaretto Cake Recipe, or “Apfelkuchen mit Amaretto Sahne Guss” in German, combines a buttery shortcrust base, tender apple slices, and a rich topping made of heavy cream, amaretto, sugar, and eggs. The result? A moist, flavorful dessert that feels both indulgent and nostalgic. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something special, this cake is sure to impress.
German baking is all about creating comforting, flavorful desserts, and this recipe is no exception. Just like my popular Oma’s German Plum Cake, this Apple Amaretto Cake brings together tradition and indulgence in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The creamy amaretto topping seeps into the cake, making every bite rich and tender.
- Elegant and Versatile: The almond-topped apples make it a showstopper for gatherings, but it’s also perfect for cozy fall evenings.
- Easy to Adapt: With simple substitutions, you can make this cake gluten-free, dairy-free, or alcohol-free.
A Slice of Nostalgia
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, we had apple trees in our garden, and every fall, my mom would bake this cake. It was a family favorite, filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of apples and almonds. Though my mom passed away 20 years ago, baking this cake always brings back cherished memories of her love and the cozy autumn days we shared. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your home.
If you’re a fan of nostalgic desserts like this one, you might also enjoy Oma’s German Plum Cake, another family favorite that’s filled with fruity sweetness and rich flavors.
History and Fun Facts
- German Baking Traditions: Apple cakes are a staple in German cuisine, with regional variations that include streusel, marzipan, or creamy toppings like this one.
- Amaretto’s Role: While amaretto is Italian in origin, its almond flavor pairs beautifully with German desserts, adding a nutty richness.
- Did You Know? Germany is one of Europe’s largest apple producers, with over 1,500 varieties grown across the country.
- In Germany, cakes like this are often enjoyed as part of “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake), a cherished afternoon tradition.
- Sunken Apple Cakes: A unique style of German apple cake is “Versunkener Apfelkuchen,” where the apples are partially submerged in the batter, creating a rustic yet elegant look.
- Almonds in German Baking: Almonds are a common ingredient in German desserts, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. They are often used as toppings for cakes like this one.
Tips & Tricks for Success
- Apple Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for thin, even slices that bake evenly.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace amaretto with almond extract and a splash of milk.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based option.
- Toasted Almonds: Lightly toast the almond slices for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with:
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee
- A rich hot chocolate
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Notes for Ingredients
For the Shortcrust Base:
- Corn starch helps to create a softer, more tender texture, but also makes the crust slightly crumbly.
- Flour is holding all the ingredients together.
- Baking powder gives the crust a slight lift and lightness.
- Vanilla sugar adds a subtle sweetness and a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. Great with apples
- Butter is essential for the shortcrust, as it creates a rich, flaky texture while adding a buttery flavor to the base.
For the Filling:
- Fresh Apples such as Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious or whatever you prefer
For the Topping:
- Heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the topping, it also helps bind the ingredients together while baking.
- Eggs provide structure and stability to the topping, ensuring it sets properly while adding a custard-like texture.
- Sugar sweetens the topping and balances the flavors of the amaretto and apples
Amaretto adds a nutty, almond-like flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Use almond extract (just a few drops, as it’s potent) and a splash of milk or cream to mimic the flavor without alcohol.Corn starch thickens the topping, ensuring it has a smooth and creamy consistency that doesn’t run or separate during baking.
- Almond slices serve for decoration and extra taste.
How to make Apple Amaretto Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and knead until it comes together. Knead the rest by hand until a ball forms.
Wrap the dough ball into foil and leave in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
In the meantime peel, core and cut the apples into thin slices.
Collect slices in a bowl and sprinkle some cinnamon powder over them (optional).
Grease a springform and roll out 2/3 the dough. Take the 1/3 to cover the sides all around.
Start using the apple slices and lay them out in a circle. Start from the back and move to the middle. Squeeze as many slices in as you can.
Mix together cream, eggs, sugar, amaretto and corn starch. Once mixed well, pour it over the apples. Sprinkle some almond slices over it and bake for 1 hour or until the inside is jelly not liquid when you move it.
Let the cake cool down for at least 2 hours before taking it out of the form. It should now be custard like when you cut into the cake.
Take some powdered sugar and dust the top of the cake.
My favorite is to eat a slice with a lot of whipping cream on the top.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ about the Apple Amaretto Cake
- Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Golden Delicious work wonderfully.
- What if I don’t have almond slices? Substitute with chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans for a similar texture.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the shortcrust base.
- How far in advance can I make this cake? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- How do I arrange the apple slices? Start from the outer edge and work inward in a circular pattern for a professional look.
- What other German desserts can I try? If you’re a fan of this Apple Amaretto Cake, you’ll love Oma’s German Plum Cake—it’s another classic recipe filled with nostalgic flavors.
Wrapping Up
This Apple Amaretto Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joys of baking. Whether you’re making it to share with loved ones or to treat yourself, I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
Apple Amaretto Cake Recipe – Moist German Dessert with Almonds and Cream
This Apple Amaretto Cake, or "Apfelkuchen mit Amaretto Sahne Guss," is a delightful fall dessert that combines rich flavors and textures. The creamy amaretto topping seeps into the apples and crust, creating a moist and indulgent treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or as a showstopper dessert to impress your guests.
Shortcrust
Filling
Topping
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and knead until it comes together.
Knead the rest by hand until a ball forms.
-
Wrap the dough into clear foil and leave in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
In the meantime peel, core and cut the apples into thin slices.
Collect slices in a bowl and sprinkle some cinnamon powder over them (optional).
-
Grease a 8" springform and roll out 2/3 the dough. Take the 1/3 to cover the sides all around.
-
Start using the apple slices and lay them out in a circle. Start from the back and move to the middle. Squeeze in as many slices in as you can.
-
Mix together heavy cream, eggs, sugar, amaretto and corn starch. Once mixed well, pour it over the apples.
Sprinkle some almond slices over it and bake for 1 hour or until the inside is jelly not liquid when you move it.
-
Let the cake cool down for at least 2 hours before taking it out of the form. It should now be custard like when you cut into the cake. Take some powdered sugar and dust the top of the cake.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 422.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24.6g38%
- Cholesterol 104mg35%
- Total Carbohydrate 45.8g16%
- Sugars 14.9g
- Protein 4.7g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
