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Apfelkuchen

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Apfelkuchen

Apfelkuchen, the quintessential German apple cake, finds its place on coffee tables across the country, a staple of gemütlich afternoons shared over steaming cups of coffee. This home-style version captures the essence of familial warmth, where every slice, rich with tradition, is an invitation to linger a little longer at the table.

The cake itself is a comforting symphony of tender apples, kissed with cinnamon and brightened by a hint of lemon. The buttery, crumbly crust provides a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy fruit. Each bite is a balance of sweet and tart, a nod to the skillful simplicity of German baking that leaves no room for pretense, only pleasure.

Ingredients

  • 250 gflour
  • 150 gbutter
  • 100 gsugar
  • 1egg
  • 800 gapples — sliced
  • 1 tspcinnamon
  • lemon juiceto toss the apples

Method

  1. Start by taking 150 g of butter and 1 egg out of the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature. This will ensure they blend smoothly into the dough. Meanwhile, peel and core 800 g of apples, then slice them thinly. Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and set them aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g of flour and 100 g of sugar. Add the room-temperature butter and egg to the bowl. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures an even distribution of butter, which is crucial for a tender crust.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan. This will form the base of your Apfelkuchen. Make sure the dough is evenly spread to avoid any thin spots that could burn during baking.
  4. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on top of the dough, starting from the outer edge and working your way inwards. This creates a visually appealing pattern and ensures even baking. Sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon evenly over the apples for a warm, aromatic flavor.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake the Apfelkuchen until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. The apples should be soft to the touch, and the kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.
  6. Once baked, remove the Apfelkuchen from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the crust to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Carefully release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a serving plate.
  7. Serve the Apfelkuchen warm or at room temperature. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh, and the texture of the crust will be perfectly crisp while the apples remain tender. This dish is perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee break, just as it is traditionally enjoyed in German homes.
Cover of Authentic German Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic German Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic German Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the German volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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