Famous German Apple Cake – Soft, Moist & Easy Recipe
This Famous German Apple Cake is a simple homemade dessert with a wonderfully soft, moist crumb, juicy apples, warm cinnamon, fresh lemon, and crunchy walnuts.
Made with only 2 eggs and 2 apples, this easy apple cake uses straightforward ingredients and requires no complicated baking techniques. The combination of milk and vegetable oil creates a tender cake base, while fresh apples add moisture and natural fruity flavor.
A touch of lemon zest and lemon juice brightens the apples, cinnamon provides a warm and comforting aroma, and chopped walnuts add a delicious nutty contrast. A tablespoon of sugar sprinkled over the top gives the cake an extra touch of sweetness as it bakes.
Perfect with afternoon coffee or tea, as a family dessert, or as an easy homemade cake for guests, this German-style apple cake brings classic comforting flavors to every slice.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 120 g sugar (⅔ cup)
- A little vanilla
- 120 g milk (½ cup)
- 80 ml vegetable oil (⅓ cup)
- 240 g plain flour (2 cups)
- 10 g baking powder
- 2 apples
- Lemon zest, as needed
- Lemon juice, as needed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chopped walnuts, as needed
How to Make German Apple Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Prepare a 27 × 18 cm (10 × 7 inch) baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with baking paper.
Set the prepared dish aside while you make the cake batter.
2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Crack 2 eggs into a large mixing bowl.
Add a pinch of salt, 120 g (⅔ cup) sugar, and a little vanilla.
Whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
This creates the simple base for the soft apple cake batter.
3. Add the Milk
Pour in 120 g (½ cup) milk.
Whisk gently until the milk is completely incorporated into the egg mixture.
4. Add the Oil
Pour in 80 ml (⅓ cup) vegetable oil.
Continue mixing until the wet ingredients are smooth and evenly combined.
Vegetable oil helps keep the finished cake moist and tender even after it has cooled.
5. Add the Flour and Baking Powder
Add 240 g (2 cups) plain flour and 10 g baking powder.
Gently mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated and a smooth batter forms.
Avoid overmixing once the flour has been added. Mix only until no visible streaks of dry flour remain.
6. Prepare the Apples
Wash 2 apples, remove the cores, and cut them into thin slices or small pieces.
Peeling the apples is optional depending on your preferred texture.
Add lemon zest and lemon juice as desired.
The fresh lemon helps brighten the flavor of the apples and complements their natural sweetness.
7. Add the Cinnamon
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon over the prepared apples.
Gently toss until the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
Cinnamon gives the apples their classic warm aroma and pairs beautifully with the lemon and walnuts.
8. Assemble the Cake
Pour the prepared cake batter into the 27 × 18 cm (10 × 7 inch) baking dish.
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly.
Arrange the prepared apple pieces across the surface of the batter.
Distribute them evenly so every slice of the finished cake contains plenty of apple.
Gently press the apples slightly into the batter while leaving some visible on top.
9. Add the Sugar and Walnuts
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over the apples.
Finish with chopped walnuts as desired.
The walnuts provide a delicious crunchy contrast to the soft cake and tender baked apples.
10. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake at 180°C (356°F) for approximately 40–45 minutes, or until the cake has risen, the top is lightly golden, and the center is fully baked.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into a cake portion away from a large apple piece.
It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Because ovens can vary, begin checking the cake around the 40-minute mark.
11. Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the baking dish.
Once it has cooled enough to slice cleanly, cut it into squares or rectangular pieces.
Serve slightly warm for an especially soft and comforting texture, or allow it to cool completely before enjoying.
Tips for the Best German Apple Cake
Choose flavorful apples: Firm apples with a balance of sweetness and acidity work especially well for baking.
Cut the apples evenly: Similar-sized pieces will soften more evenly in the oven.
Use fresh lemon: Fresh zest and juice add brightness and help balance the sweetness of the cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: After adding the flour, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Excessive mixing can create a denser texture.
Distribute the apples evenly: This ensures every slice contains a good balance of soft cake and juicy fruit.
Chop the walnuts: Smaller walnut pieces are easier to distribute across the cake and provide crunch without overpowering the soft texture.
Check the cake at 40 minutes: Oven performance varies, so test the center before extending the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
This recipe combines several classic flavors in one simple homemade dessert.
The cake requires only 2 eggs and 2 apples, while milk and vegetable oil create a soft, moist base.
Fresh apples become tender and flavorful during baking. Cinnamon adds warmth, lemon provides freshness, and chopped walnuts introduce a pleasant nutty crunch.
The preparation is straightforward enough for everyday baking, but the combination of apples, cinnamon, lemon, and walnuts makes the finished cake special enough to serve to guests.
Serving Suggestions
This German-style apple cake is especially delicious with a warm drink.
Serve it with:
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Black tea
- Herbal tea
- A cold glass of milk
- Whipped cream
- Plain or Greek yogurt
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit
For a comforting dessert, serve a slightly warm slice alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Store German Apple Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
Place leftover pieces in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for approximately 1–2 days.
Because the cake contains fresh apples, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.
Keep the cake well covered to prevent it from drying out.
For a softer texture, allow refrigerated slices to come closer to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this apple cake with only 2 eggs?
Yes. This recipe uses exactly 2 eggs to create the cake batter.
How many apples do I need?
You need 2 apples for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No. Peeling is optional. You can leave the skins on if you enjoy their texture, provided the apples are washed thoroughly.
What does lemon add to the cake?
Fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright citrus note that complements the apples and balances the sweetness.
Why is cinnamon used?
The 1 teaspoon of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs naturally with baked apples.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Yes. The chopped walnuts add flavor and crunch, but the apple cake can still be prepared without them.
How long should I bake German apple cake?
Bake the cake at 180°C (356°F) for approximately 40–45 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is ready?
The top should be lightly golden and the center should be set. Insert a toothpick into a cake section away from a large apple piece. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Famous German Apple Cake combines a soft and moist homemade cake with juicy apples, fragrant cinnamon, fresh lemon, and crunchy walnuts.
Using just 2 eggs and 2 apples, the recipe is straightforward enough for everyday baking while still producing a comforting dessert that feels special.
Bake it in a 27 × 18 cm (10 × 7 inch) baking dish at 180°C (356°F) for 40–45 minutes, allow it to cool slightly, and enjoy a tender slice with your favorite coffee or tea.