Description
This apfel kuchen is a German cake made with apples, honey, and ginger and it is pretty much the perfect dessert, tea time snack, or with morning coffee.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting the pan)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on the apples)
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 ounces candied ginger, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 medium apples, peeled and quartered
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and ensure a rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- Making the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar using an electric mixer.
- Add the 1/4 cup of raw honey to the mixture and beat for another minute until the mixture is fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well-mixed before adding the next.
- Stir in the freshly grated ginger, diced candied ginger, and grated lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just enough to form a stiff batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Arranging the Apples:
- Using a paring knife, make partial slits on the rounded, outer side of each apple wedge at roughly 1/8-inch intervals.
- Arrange these apple quarters, slit-side-up, on top of the batter.
- Sprinkle the surface of the apples with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Baking the Cake:
- Place the cake pan on a baking sheet and position it on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts browning too quickly, tent it with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. After it has cooled, carefully release it from the springform pan.
- Preparing the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and lemon juice.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Generously brush the warm glaze over the surface of the cake, ensuring the apples are well-coated.
- Storage:
- Once glazed, allow the cake to set for a while. It can be stored for several days if wrapped tightly and kept at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the apples when making slits. This technique helps the apples fan out slightly during baking, making a visually appealing top for the cake.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular cake pan can be used, but ensure to line it with parchment paper for easier removal. However, a springform pan is ideal for this type of cake.
- The cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg