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German apple streusel cake dusted with powdered sugar, sliced and displayed on a plate, soft apple-filled center and golden brown edges.

Easy German Apple Streusel Cake

This Easy German Apple Streusel Cake is a cozy, classic coffee cake made with tender fresh apples, a soft buttery batter, and a thick layer of cinnamon-brown sugar streusel. The apples keep the cake moist and flavorful, while the crumb topping adds the perfect crunchy finish. It’s simple to prepare, uses basic ingredients, and is delicious warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Brunch, Coffee Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American-German Fusion, European, german
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apples
  • 3 cups fresh apples thinly sliced
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice I use 2 tbsp since we like it sour
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cake Batter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter  room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
Streusel Topping
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl – for making the cake batter
  • Separate medium bowl – for prepping apples and mixing streusel
  • 1 Electric mixer – hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • 1 Rubber spatula – to scrape down the bowl and spread batter evenly
  • Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
  • Fine-mesh sieve – for dusting powdered sugar (optional)
  • 9-inch round cake pan – or similar size
  • Cutting board & sharp knife – for slicing apples
  • 1 Peeler – if you prefer peeled apples (optional)
  • 1 Cooling rack – to let the cake cool properly
  • Oven mitts – for safe handling

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare apples: In a separate medium bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
  3. Make streusel: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Rub in the butter until you have a sandy buttery streusel.
  4. Cake batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars on medium speed. Add eggs one by one. Then, add vanilla. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately on low speed. Scrape with a rubber spatula.
  5. Assemble: Spread batter into the prepared pan. Add apples. You can make it any design you want just make sure they are added evenly. Then, add the streusel.
  6. Bake: 40–45 minutes or until center springs back. I start checking around 35ms since my oven runs hot.
  7. Cool: Let the cake completely cool on a wire rack.
  8. Powdered Sugar (Optional): In true German fashion, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch. Simply place a little powdered sugar into a fine sieve and gently tap it over the cooled cake. You don’t need much, just enough to create a soft, snowy layer that makes the cake look even more inviting.
  9. Serve: Enjoy warm with ice cream or cool with coffee.

Notes

Storage

  • Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Tastes even better the next day.