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Apple cake slice topped with almond slices on a black plate

Easy German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooling 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
A soft, buttery German apple cake with little apple pieces in every bite, topped with cinnamon and sliced almonds. Made with a classic German secret: vanilla pudding powder.
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Ingredients

Servings: 12 slices
  • 3 medium apples peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 150 g soft butter ⅔ cup
  • 130 g sugar ⅔ cup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 packet 37g vanilla pudding powder
  • 250 g all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ to ½ cup milk 60 to 120 ml
  • Ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top
  • Sliced almonds for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
  • Prep apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into small cubes.
  • Cream: Beat the soft butter and sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  • Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  • Dry ingredients: Add the vanilla pudding powder, flour, and baking powder. Mix on low just until combined.
  • Milk and apples: Mix in the milk until the batter is smooth and thick. Fold in the apple cubes.
  • Fill: Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
  • Top: Sprinkle cinnamon over the top, then scatter the sliced almonds.
  • Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
  • Lower heat: Reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake 20 more minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the springform ring.

Notes

  • Start with ¼ cup of milk and add more until the batter is thick but smooth.
  • No vanilla pudding powder? Use ⅓ cup (37g) cornstarch plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
  • Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.