Pin this A cozy, classic German cake featuring tender apples and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for weekend baking and best enjoyed with coffee or tea.
This rustic apple streusel cake reminds me of cozy family gatherings where warmth and sweetness fill the air.
Ingredients
- For the Cake: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Apples: 3 large tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced thin, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping: 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, cold and diced, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or round cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for the cake until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Prepare Apples:
- In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange apple slices evenly over the cake batter.
- Make Streusel:
- For the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and rub with your fingers or use a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Top with Streusel:
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown.
- Cool:
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before releasing the cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin this Making this cake always brings back warm family moments spent sharing stories over dessert.
Notes
Serve with lightly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds to the streusel for added crunch.
Required Tools
9-inch (23 cm) springform or round cake pan, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Spatula, Pastry cutter (optional), Knife and peeler
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), butter. May contain traces of nuts if added. Always verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.
Pin this This German apple streusel cake is a comforting treat that easily becomes a family favorite.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best for this cake?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.
- → Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds make a crunchy addition to the streusel and enhance the texture.
- → How do I achieve a crisp streusel topping?
Use cold butter diced into the streusel mixture and avoid over-mixing to create a crumbly, crunchy texture after baking.
- → Is it better served warm or cold?
Serving it warm enhances the soft apples and melted butter flavor, but it’s also delightful at room temperature.
- → Can pears replace apples in this preparation?
Pears are a great seasonal substitute, offering a sweeter, softer contrast to the cinnamon streusel.
- → What baking pan size is recommended?
A 9-inch springform or round pan helps the cake bake evenly and makes for easy removal.