Description
This German apple cake is tender, packed with juicy grated apples, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. It’s an easy, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion, from weeknights to family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml) or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large apples (about 2 cups grated, 300g), peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113g), softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60g), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Optionally, line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Peel and grate apples using a box grater. Toss grated apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in grated apples (with lemon juice). If adding nuts, mix them in now.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once cake is fully cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Use the back of a spoon for swirls.
- Cut into squares or slices and serve. Enjoy fresh or chilled.
Notes
Grate apples just before mixing for maximum moisture. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan adaptations are possible with flaxseed eggs and dairy-free frosting ingredients. Chill frosted cake for cleaner slices. Add nuts or swap spices for variations. Cake tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: German apple cake, apple dessert, easy cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, autumn baking, homemade cake, comfort food, family dessert, fall recipes, apple cake