Lu-Ann Simon October 18, 2025

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German Apple Crumble Cake

Name: German Apple Crumble Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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The aroma of warm apples mingled with a cinnamon-sugar crumble fills the room, beckoning you to gather around the kitchen table. German Apple Crumble Cake is a comforting dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of apples and spices, making it an ideal treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Perfect for sharing with family during Sunday brunch or serving as a delightful finale to a weeknight dinner, this cake offers a heartwarming taste of home that everyone will adore.

Why This German Apple Crumble Cake Works

This German Apple Crumble Cake is truly exceptional for several reasons. It effortlessly combines a moist apple-filled cake base with a crunchy topping, creating a perfect balance of textures. Each bite is bursting with fruity goodness and sweet cinnamon, wrapped in comforting warmth. This dessert not only satisfies a sweet craving but also warms the heart.

Some highlights that make this cake stand out include:

A delightful harmony of flavors
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
A versatile dessert for various occasions
Perfectly pairs with an array of accompaniments
A creative way to showcase seasonal apples

Gather These Ingredients

Before you start, let’s gather the essentials. You might find that some ingredients can be swapped out to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Below is a list of everything you will need to create this delightful German Apple Crumble Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
3 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Bringing It Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent your cake from sticking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until evenly blended.
In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Stir in the sour cream, mixing until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want it just right.
Gently fold in the sliced apples and cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, chopped nuts (if you’re using them), and a sprinkle more of cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.
Generously sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple cake batter, ensuring every bite has that delightful crumble.
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that it’s perfectly baked.
Once it’s done, allow the cake to cool a bit before cutting it into squares and serving up this cozy dessert.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 45 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour 5 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 350 per serving.

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can prep certain elements of this German Apple Crumble Cake ahead of time. Consider mixing the dry ingredients and chopping the apples the day before, so everything is ready when you want to bake. The unbaked batter can also be stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, ensuring even cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your German Apple Crumble Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it should last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, it can freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, restoring that comforting warmth. A tip for freshness: a light sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top after reheating can add an extra layer of flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This German Apple Crumble Cake is versatile and pairs well with a variety of delightful accompaniments:

Whipped cream adds a luxurious touch
Vanilla ice cream enhances the warm, comforting flavor
A scoop of yogurt gives it a tangy twist
A drizzle of caramel sauce makes it extra indulgent
Slices of cheddar cheese offer a savory contrast

Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to customize your German Apple Crumble Cake! Here are some ways to put your personal spin on it:

Swap the apples for pears for a different fruity twist.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans in the crumble.
Add dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Try different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to brighten the cake’s flavor.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For perfect results every time, consider these helpful tips:

Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, so let your eggs and butter sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
Do not overmix the batter when folding in the apples; it can make the cake dense.
Let the cake cool completely before cutting it for cleaner slices.
Always check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect and ready to enjoy.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are wonderful choices, you can use any baking apple you enjoy. Just make sure they’re firm to maintain texture.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional. Feel free to omit them or replace them with a nut substitute if needed.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is done.
Is it possible to make this a vegan cake?
Yes! You can use a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs or applesauce as an egg replacement to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or two separate pans, but keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a little longer.

Final Thoughts

German Apple Crumble Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of comfort and home. With its warm apple flavors, sweet crumble topping, and inviting aroma, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of this heartwarming cake soon. You deserve it!

German Apple Crumble Cake

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of apples and spices, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Stir in sour cream until well combined.
Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in sliced apples and cinnamon.
Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, rolled oats, and nuts (if using); sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool before serving.

Notes

Customize your cake by swapping apples for pears or using gluten-free flour. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German