Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake)

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking away in the oven. A traditional German dessert, this Apple Kuchen is made with a tender, ‘not too sweet’ cake, topped with a layer of fresh apples sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, then finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Simply heavenly!

You guys.  Don’t walk, run to the store and get yourself the ingredients for this one. It’s simply amazing! It’s September, and for me, that means apples. Baking with apples is one of my favorite things. You can’t beat the aroma they give off, and the taste is second to none.

German Apple Kuchen (Apple Cake)

The first time I made this was back in 2016. It was for a tailgate that my parents were attending, and my Dad was celebrating his birthday that day, and also it was the first day of Oktoberfest. We decided to run with the theme, so we grilled bratwurst burgers, and I needed a dessert that was German and yummy for a birthday. Dessert is my dad’s favorite food group. Apple Kuchen was the perfect idea.

Be sure to take a look at my Oktoberfest Chili and these Bratwurst Sliders. They are perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest!

German Apple Cake Recipe

In Germany, “Kuchen” simply means cake, but it often carries a homestyle, from-scratch charm that feels extra special. This Apple Kuchen is no exception, built on a tender, lightly sweet base, layered with cinnamon apples, and finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze. It’s a dessert that feels both classic and comforting, no matter when you serve it.

Ingredients in Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake)

For the complete measurements and instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

To Make the Cake:

• Granny Smith Apples – Their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cake and glazes beautifully. You’ll need 4–5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin. If you don’t have Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples also work well.
• Butter – Use room-temperature unsalted butter so it creams easily with the sugar. Salted butter works too, just reduce the added salt slightly.
• Sugar – Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while a little extra sugar is mixed with cinnamon for the topping.
• Eggs – Two large eggs help bind the batter and give the cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor to both the cake and the glaze.
• Flour – All-purpose flour is perfect here. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning into your cup and leveling off.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise to a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon – A teaspoon in the batter and more in the topping gives that classic apple-cinnamon flavor.
• Sour Cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang. Full-fat or light sour cream both work.

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar, Vanilla + Milk – Whisked together with vanilla to make a simple glaze that drizzles over the finished cake. You can adjust the thickness with a touch more milk or sugar, depending on your preference.

How to Make German Apple Kuchen

Gather your ingredients, and you’ll see just how simple it is to bring a little bit of German baking tradition to your kitchen. From the tender cake to the cinnamon-spiced apples and sweet glaze, this Apple Kuchen is a treat worth sharing.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper (or just give it a good greasing) so your cake comes out easily later.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Now add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in parts, alternating with the sour cream. You’ll start with flour, add a little sour cream, more flour, more sour cream, and finish with flour. Mix just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix it.

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Next, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges (about 16 slices per apple works well). Lay them across the batter in a single layer, covering the whole top.

Stir together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for around 30 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth to make your glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled (or still slightly warm) cake. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy either warm from the pan or cooled. Leftovers keep best in the fridge.

Love It? Pin it!

If you love this Apple Kuchen Recipe, be sure to keep it close! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. 

Tips, Storage, and Make-Ahead Info for Apple Kuchen

Tips for the best Apple Kuchen:

• Slice your apples evenly so they bake at the same rate. Thin slices (around 1/8 inch) work perfectly.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the cake and glaze. If you prefer a sweeter cake, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are great options too.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour and sour cream are incorporated. This keeps the cake tender and light.
• If you want extra flavor, lightly sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cloves over the apples along with the cinnamon sugar. Or try my Apple Pie Spice!

Storage:

• Apple Kuchen keeps well in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
• You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. The flavor actually develops a little after sitting overnight.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• You can assemble the cake (batter and apple topping) a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
• The glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in a small container in the fridge. Warm it a bit and drizzle it over the cake right before serving for a fresh, glossy finish.

More German Recipes to Love

If you have been with me for a while, you know that my heritage is both German and Polish, and I have lots of recipes to prove it. I have an entire section dedicated just to sauerkraut! Some of my favorite German recipes (although it feels like naming your favorite child, and it’s really hard to do) are German Onion Pie {Zwiebelkuchen}, Sauerkraut, Bratwurst and Potato Soup, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (pictured above), and this German Apple Dessert. Find all of my German recipes here.

Whether you serve it warm right from the oven or let it cool to enjoy later, Apple Kuchen is a dessert that brings a little piece of German baking tradition to your table. With its tender cake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet vanilla glaze, every bite is a comforting reminder of home and family. It’s a simple treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! Let’s get to the recipe!

This recipe was originally posted on September 21, 2016. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 16, 2025.