German Apple Cake Recipe

Fresh apples, a cup or two of sugar, and just the right amount of flour make this cake a favorite. Easy to mix in one bowl and bake in any pan, it’s a classic apple cake you’ll want to make again and again.

German Apple Cake

A traditional German Apple Cake recipe is different from a regular apple cake because it’s simpler and more rustic, letting the apples shine. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are layered on top or folded into the batter, which bakes into a moist, tender crumb. Even though cream cheese frosting isn’t traditional, I included it because it adds a rich, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple flavor, making each slice irresistible. Traditionally finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, the cream cheese frosting gives a fresh, indulgent take on a classic favorite.

This recipe comes straight from my mother-in-law’s collection, and it’s one of those desserts that instantly feels like home. She was always baking something with apples, maybe a crisp, a cinnamon apple cake, or this very German Apple Cake, and you could tell the moment you walked in. The house would smell like cinnamon and sugar as soon as she pulled a pan from the oven. I love this recipe because it’s simple, comforting, and fills your kitchen with that amazing apple aroma. Every time I bake it, I think of her and all the little moments we shared in the kitchen.

What You Need

• Eggs

• Granulated Sugar

• Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil

• Vanilla Extract

• All Purpose Flour

• Cinnamon

• Baking Soda

• Salt

• Sliced or Diced Apples

• Cream Cheese, room temperature

• Butter, room temperature

• Powdered Sugar

Tips for Making German Apple Cake 

• Bring wet ingredients to room temperature for smooth mixing.

• Combine flour and other dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl before adding to the egg mixture to avoid streaks of flour.

• Use a stand mixer, electric mixer, or a wooden spoon to blend cake batter until smooth.

• Choose fresh apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best apple flavor.

• Toss apple slices or chopped apples with lemon juice and lemon zest to keep them bright and flavorful.

• Instead of adding Cream Cheese Frosting you may, once the cake is baked and cool, dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream.

Other Delicious Fall Desserts

Apple Sheet Bars Pumpkin Bread Easy Apple Goodie

How to Make German Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper and set aside. Clean and peel apples, then cut into thin slices or chop into chunks. Put cut apples in a bowl of lemon water (about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of water) to help prevent browning while you are completing the other steps. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and set aside. 

Chopped apples.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine 1 cup oil, 2 cups white sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 eggs and mix together until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and and mix just until combined, do not over mix. 

Wet ingredients combined and slowly adding dry ingredients.

Step 3: Drain the apples that are soaking in the lemon and water and pat dry. Add 4 cups apples to the batter and fold in using a wide flexible spatula. If you want to add your favorite nut, now is the time to add in 1 cup of chopped nuts of choice. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick test comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. 

Apples added to batter and pour into prepared pan.

Step 4: While the cake is cooling, make the Cream Cheese Frosting. In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces cream cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of powdered sugar. Combine with an electric mixer until smooth. Once the cake is cool, top the cake with the cream cheese frosting and serve! 

​Above Left: Cream cheese and butter ready to be combined for the Cream Cheese Frosting. Above Right: Cream Cheese Frosting added to cooled cake.

How to Store German Apple Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container or on a serving plate covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for 3 days. 

German Apple Cake ready to enjoy!

A best part about this German Apple Cake is that it fills your home with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or cream cheese frosting, and enjoy every delicious bite. This delicious cake comes together easily and I always get great reviews when sharing with friends and family! It is Forkin' Good! 

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