Description
This Decadent German Apple Cake features moist layers filled with tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans. Topped with a luscious, creamy cinnamon frosting, it’s an irresistible dessert perfect for gatherings and cozy afternoons. The cake combines warm spices and a tender crumb, delivering a traditional German flavor with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free flour mix for a GF option)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (nutmeg can be added for extra warmth)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (make sure it’s fresh for best results)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (can substitute with sea salt or table salt, using less)
- 3 large Eggs (aquafaba can be used for a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup Sugar (coconut sugar offers a lower GI index)
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil (unsweetened applesauce works for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a different profile)
- 3 cups Apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith is recommended for tartness)
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped (can substitute walnuts or omit for a nut-free cake)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened (non-dairy cream cheese for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened (vegan butter is suitable for dairy-free)
- 3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered sugar essential for stability)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round baking pans by lining them with parchment paper and lightly greasing them with baking spray to ensure the cakes don’t stick and turn out perfectly shaped.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly combined to distribute flavor and leavening agents throughout the cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, canola oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a consistent base for the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Mix: Gradually add the combined dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding and mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter which could toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold the chopped Granny Smith apples and pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
- Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring a firm structure for frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Assemble Your Cake: Place one cake layer onto a serving plate. Generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Carefully set the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to secure the layers together.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate the assembled cake with thin slices of apple arranged artfully on top and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with aquafaba, use non-dairy cream cheese, and vegan butter.
- You can add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth in flavor.
- Use unsweetened applesauce in place of canola oil to reduce fat content.
- Chilling the frosting slightly before spreading can make it easier to handle.
- Ensure baking soda is fresh to achieve proper rise and texture.
