One bite of this and I’m 10 years old again sneaking into the kitchen to pick off a chunk of the crumb topping from this fresh baked coffee cake. Between me and my two siblings, and quite possibly my dad, the cake was in sad shape by the time the guests came and mom was ready to serve. Poor mom!
When my dad was young, he had a childhood friend whose family was from Germany. His friends’ mom would bake this delightful German apple cake, an old family recipe. When my dad got married, he requested the recipe and passed it on to his new bride (my mom) and she has been making it ever since.
After having recently gone apple picking, I wanted apple recipes, so I finally got around to asking her for the recipe. It was easy to make and too easy to eat. I had it for breakfast and dessert, and basically picked at the crumb topping during the time between. The cake is moist and slices so nicely. And ooooooh those apples! I never realized how awesome that part was. Next time I’m going to use four apples. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family!
Recipe: Apple Kuchen
Summary: German Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 stick of butter or margarine (1/2 cup)
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 2 well beaten eggs
- 3 to 4 apples peeled and sliced thinly.
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Using the paddle attachment in your mixer, mix the flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Cut in the shortening and butter.
- Mix in the milk and eggs.
- Pour into a greased 9″x12″ or 10″ round pan.
- Make the topping in a small bowl, use your hands or a fork to mash the ingredients.
- Top the cake dough with apples and crumb topping.
- Bake 45-60 minutes (when a toothpick comes out clean after inserted).
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 1 hour(s)
Number of servings (yield): 8
just made it and I think I will make another one
tomorrow. Very good thanks
just make this great apple kuchen and I think I will need to make another one tomorrow!!!!!!!! It went so fast
Your kuchen looks so yummy, I hope to make it later in the week!
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!
This was wonderful. So many requests for the recipe when ever I serve it. It did take longer to bake than directed, but turned out perfect!
Shelley, Thank you for taking the time to come back and share your experience, I am so happy that you liked it!
Is it safe to assume that 1 stick of butter is 4oz?
Yes! THanks Ein, I updated the post.
Is the texture of the cake suppose to be doughy like inside instead of light and fluffy? I made it using your directions and it turned out dense and thick rather than light like a cake.
It still tastes good but I wanted to know before I served it to others
Hi Heidi, sorry for the late reply… I was out of town. This cake is rather dense but shouldn’t be doughy or under cooked inside. It will be slightly more dense than a standard birthday cake though. I hope you enjoyed it!
Hi Sarah, this looks delicious! I plan to make it for our Oktoberfest Party. What kind of apples do prefer using for this recipe? Thanks!
Hi Nan, I like mixing up the varieties, I usually make this cake after we bring our mixed bundle home from apple picking. I think any variety is good, pick a few sour varieties to balance it out. Think apple pie 🙂
Thanks, Sarah. It really looks yummy!
How do I print this wonderful recipe off your sit?? Print button?
Thank you
I just made the cake today and it was a hit! I picked your recipe because of the story behind it. I’m making it for my very German father in law. It was delicious not too sweet. Perfect breakfast pastry. Thanks! It’s a keeper!
Quite possibly the nicest comment I have ever gotten on my blog. Thanks Rya!
I’ve been looking for my Mom’s recipe for days and couldn’t find it. This one reminds me of hers. After cutting in the butter and shortening, then adding the milk/egg mixture, how long are you to mix the batter? When I put mine in the pan, there were still chunks of butter/shortening. Is this okay? My cake is in the oven now and I’m worried I did it wrong. Can you let me know if the batter is supposed to be like a smooth cake batter? Thanks!
Can you use any other kinds of fruit? Maybe peach or rhubarb?
Peach sounds incredible, Im not an expert on rhubarb.