Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (2024)

  1. Home
  2. German Cake Recipes
  3. German Apple Cake

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

This post may contain affiliate links, whichmeans I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extracost to you. Please readfull disclosurefor more information.

This traditional German apple cake recipe, aka Versunkener Apfelkuchen, is sure to please.

If you’re looking for an easy and impressive dessert to make, look no further. This delicious cake is one I often helped Mutti make while growing up. Once married, I really depended on it to make a good impression on my new in-laws.

It’s a simple vanilla cake topped with thinly sliced fresh apples. Slicing the apples without cutting all the way through produces a lovely fanned effect as the apples bake.

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (4)

In other words, the cake goes into the oven looking pretty ordinary, but comes out looking mighty extraordinary, as the batter rises up and bakes around the fanned apples.

With a fresh dusting of icing sugar on top of the cake, it looks so pretty and fancy! Which is pretty amazing for something that’s so quick and easy to make.

What's so extra nice about this German apple cake recipe is that it ALWAYS turns out, whether you’re making it for the first time, second time, or umpteenth time.

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (5)

  • Apple recipes come in a variety of types such as apple strudel, apple pie, apple crumble, apple crisp, apple cake, apple galette, applesauce cake, apple cheesecake, apple dumplings, etc.

This cake is absolutely delicious when served warm right out of the oven, especially with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for 3:00 Kaffee und Kuchen, aka Kaffeeklatsch.

Amazingly, it tastes even better the next day; thanks to the apples, it remains a moist cake for 3 to 4 days and becomes even more flavorful as the apples infuse the cake with flavor.

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (6)

This German apple cake usually finds its way onto my holiday table. It always looks so festive and it's so quick and easy to make - perfect for the busy holiday season!

It’s an excellent dessert option any time of the year. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, family dinners, and parties. No matter the occasion, it’s always a winner! And, did I mention it’s quick and easy?

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (7)

If you're into quick German recipes like I am, this delicious apple cake may very well become one of your favorite German cakes. You may even love it so much, you'll have it memorized!

What type of Apples to use for Apple Cake?

  • Although any type of apple can be used when cooking and baking, certain types are better for cakes since they keep their shape longer.
  • The best apples to use are those that are both sweet and tart; or use a combination of sweet and tart apples.
  • McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Mutsu are especially wonderful when used in cakes and strudels.

Oma says,

German apple cake is what I call an emergency cake.

What's an "emergency cake"?

Well, the phone just rang and company's on its way!

My head spins -- I need a quick dessert recipe, but which one? Ah, my best cake recipe -- German apple cake!

Why? It’s quick, easy, and the ingredients are pantry staples. I always have them on hand!

By the way, this German recipe is called Versunkener Apfelkuchen, which translates as sunken apple cake... sounds so much prettier in German than in English! LOL

Lydia Remembers...

I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this apple cake!

I've enjoyed this recipe multiple times on my work days at Oma's. I'll walk in to see this scrumptious cake sitting on the counter, and my mouth just starts to water. But I have to tell myself, "No, Lydia. Wait until 3 o'clock coffee break time!"

The absolute best part about this recipe is when you take a big dollop of Oma's homemade whipped cream and plop it right on top! Especially when the cake is fresh out of the oven and it's still warm, then the whipped cream melts over it. Or serve it with French vanilla ice cream! Oh my, what a lecker treat that is too!

I LOVE this cake! The soft crunch of the sweet apples is absolutely delicious! It gives you so much opportunity to be creative and if you've read up on me, you know how much I love when something gives the chance to show creativity. With an artsy mind you can really get creative with anything if you put your mind to it!

This cake is no exception. Get your creative juices flowing! Make a fancy design with those apples, add cinnamon to make it taste like apple pie, sprinkle powdered sugar… it's all in your hands. :)

Now, I know Oma may call this her emergency cake, but I call it her exquisitely beautiful cake! Her cake made with love, and made deliciously German.

Learn a little bit about me, Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

Looking for more apple cake recipes?

  • Oma's Apfelstrudel ~ German Apple Strudel Recipe
  • Melania's Easy Apple Strudel
  • Oma's Apfelpastete ~ Apple Galette Recipe
  • Apfeldessert ~ Penny's Apple Dump Cake
  • Oma's Best Apple Crisp Recipe
  • Heidi's Apple Pudding Cake

Ready to bake this German apple cake?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (10)

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen

If you’re looking for an easy and impressive dessert to make, look no further. This simple vanilla cake topped with thinly fanned apples and a fresh dusting of icing sugar looks so pretty and fancy!

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

75 minutes

Servings:

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 5 apples, depending on size
  • ½ cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon (3 - 5 milliliters) vanilla or almond extract
  • 1¾ cup (228 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoon (6 grams) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 tablespoon (6 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Grease bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan.
  3. Peel, quarter, and core the apples. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla until creamy.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the flour mixture into sugar mixture a little at a time, alternating with the milk.
  6. Spread the cake batter in the prepared pan.
  7. Cut thin slices into each apple quarter from the outer part toward the center several times without cutting all the way through. The apple slices will separate from each other while the cake bakes. Arrange sliced apple quarters on top of the batter (see photos above).
  8. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Remove the cake from pan.
  10. Put powdered sugar into a small sieve and gently tap to dust sugar evenly over the entire cake.

Notes/Hints:

  • Extra apples? Makethis buffet treat!
  • Add ½ to 1 teaspoon almond extract instead of or as well as the lemon juice.
  • Brush hot sieved apricot jam over the apples right after the cake comes out of the oven.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Tastes best warm right out of the oven or the second day once the apples have infused their flavor throughout the cake.
  • I've made this in a foil 9x12-inch pan and it works just as well.

* * * * *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

12.21.2021 revision update

You might like these

  • German Apple Strudel Recipe – Oma's Apfelstrudel Rezept

    This easy German Apple Strudel recipe is one of those German desserts that brings the traditional strudel taste to your table without all the work. Wunderbar!!

  • Apfelpfannkuchen: The Tasty, Controversial German Apple Pancake Recipe

    Discover the history behind the German Apple Pancake recipe, aka Apfelpfannkuchen. Quick, very easy, and wunderbar! Get Oma's delicious recipe here.

  • Best Apple Crisp Recipe with Oatmeal – Oma's Apfel-Crumble *

    This is the best apple crisp recipe with oatmeal that I've found. Juicy, easy, healthy, quick - what more does one want? German? Nope ~ but this German LOVES it!

Follow Oma on Social Media:

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (15)

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Newest Recipes

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (16)

  1. The Best Jagerschnitzel Sauce: Oma's Mushroom Gravy for Jägerschnitzel

    Jagerschnitzel: Rich creamy bacon & mushroom gravy over crispy breaded pork schnitzel (cutlets). HEAVENLY! A traditional German meal that's PERFECT anytime.

    Go to Recipe

  2. How to Make German Schnitzel Recipe: Oma's Classic Schweineschnitzel

    Discover the ultimate German schnitzel recipe with Oma's quick and easy method - perfect for any occasion! Taste the authentic flavors of Germany today.

    Go to Recipe

  3. Oma's Favorite Finds offer a range of Oma’s favorite German-inspired must-have items that make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable, yummy, and efficient.

    Go to Recipe

* * * * *

PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (23)

Oma's German Apple Cake Recipe ~ Versunkener Apfelkuchen

By Oma Gerhild Fulson
Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (24)
This German apple cake always looks amazing and tastes scrumptious! So quick and easy to make, it's just like Oma's versunkener Apfelkuchen served fresh from the oven.

Ingredients: apples,butter,sugar,eggs,lemon juice,flour,baking powder,salt,milk,powdered sugar,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions."

Proverbs 10:6 (NLT)

Top of German Apple Cake Recipe

Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe – Oma's Versunkener Apfelkuchen (2024)

FAQs

What is Oma's Apfelkuchen? ›

"or Sunken Apple cake. This is based on a recipe my grandmother used. The apples are placed on top of the dough, which raises as baked, making the apples appear as if they have sunk into the cake."

What is the origin of apple cake? ›

Jewish apple cake is a dense cake made with apples which originated in Poland, but is now sold mostly in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Apples are common in Jewish Ashkenazi cooking and are a part of the traditional food served during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah (considered to be the Jewish New Year).

How long does apple cake last? ›

I always peel my apples before baking – it's a texture thing for me. If you'd rather not peel your apples, Slice them very thinly, or even shred, vs dice. How to store: Fresh Apple Cake will keep well tightly covered on the counter for 2-3 days, though you can extend it's life by refrigerating for up to 4 days.

What is the original fruitcake? ›

The Roman fruitcake was a mash of barley, honey, wine and dried fruit, often pomegranate seeds. What you might recognize as a modern-style fruitcake – a moist, leavened dessert studded with fruits and nuts – was probably first baked in the early Middle Ages in Europe.

Why is Dutch apple cake so popular? ›

The crumb in this cake is light, flaky and moist. It is NOT a sweet cake, which is why I think it has been so popular. The cake really gets most of its sweetness from the apples.

Why does my apple cake fall apart? ›

Why Did My Apple Cake Fall Apart? There are two main reasons why an apple cake would fall apart: (1) it was simply too warm when you were trying to cut and serve it or (2) you used too many/the wrong kind of apple.

Why does fruitcake last so long? ›

What typically makes fruitcake last so long is its super dense texture. This texture prevents, let's say, less than appetizing things from setting up camp in the cake's crevices. Additionally, a lot of the ingredients in our fruitcakes are dried or glaceéd, so they don't contain much moisture.

Should I keep apple cake in the fridge? ›

I've found that fresh apple cake does need to be refrigerated for freshness, particularly with the addition of the cream cheese frosting. To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days. Let come close to room temperature prior to serving.

How do you know when apple cake is done? ›

The idea behind this test is you can insert a toothpick or paring knife into the center of the cake to see if the crumb has set. If the tester comes out clean, it's done. If it comes out gummy or with crumbs clinging to it, the cake needs more time in the oven.

What is Elvis Presley cake? ›

You don't have to be Young and Beautiful to appreciate the Elvis Presley Cake. After one bite, you'll be saying that you Can't Help Falling in Love with how easy it is to make this fruity cake, which has a pineapple topping and creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting.

What are the best apples for baking apple cake? ›

Probably obvious, but the type of apple you bake with will affect the flavor and texture of your cake! Most recipes recommended Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a heartier texture that will hold up for a longer bake time. (MacIntosh are notoriously soft if you prefer that texture!)

What is the story of the apple cake? ›

An old lady wants to bake an apple cake. She has everything she needs except apples. So she sets off to market to buy some apples, taking a basket of plums to trade along the way, just in case... This is a classic story of sharing, trading and caring.

Is fruitcake an American tradition? ›

Fruitcakes came to America with the early colonists, but demand for the treat skyrocketed in 1913, when they became available by mail. A few U.S. companies built robust businesses filling orders and delivering Christmas fruitcake to friends and family far and wide.

What is the history of apple desserts? ›

Apple Pie – The earliest apple pie recipe hails from England in 1381! (If you're interested in the controversy over who invented “pie à la mode” click here.) Eve's Pudding – This British dessert is made up of apples baked under a Victoria sponge cake. The earliest recipe dates from 1824.

What is the origin of cake in the world? ›

The Greeks and Romans made sweet baked goods, and the Egyptians baked sweetened breads. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that cakes as we know them today began to emerge. During this time, sweetened breads were transformed into a more cake-like dessert, often made with honey, fruit, and spices.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6402

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.