German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

a classic coffee cake

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 20m
Cook Time: 35m
Total Time: 55m
Temp.: 350 °F
Servings: 15
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (21 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For cake :

For topping:

Nutritional Information

270
calories
11g
fat
35.4g
carbohydrates
8.7g
protein
213mg
cholesterol
114mg
sodium
German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

Recipe Description

Looking for a delightful fall dessert? This German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen) recipe is the perfect choice. This recipe, straight from an old cookbook dating back to 1894, offers a glimpse into the timeless tradition of German baking. The beauty of this cake lies not only in its nostalgic roots but also in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a homey dessert that brings warmth with every bite.  

Inspired by the comforting flavors of autumn, this venerable German apple cake combines the sweetness of tender apples with a light, fluffy batter infused with a hint of lemon zest. Topped with a creamy sour cream mixture flavored with cinnamon, this cake bakes up beautifully with a golden crust, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Whether served warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, it promises to be a hit with family and friends alike. 

To make the German Apple Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

Recipe Features

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Heat oven and prepare baking pan

    5 min
    Step 1 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 13x18-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Cream butter and sugar

    2 min
    Step 2 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together 100 grams butter and 100 grams powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. 3

    Add eggs

    3 min
    Step 3 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Beat in 5 eggs, one at a time, until smooth.

  4. 4

    Add remaining powdered sugar

    2 min
    Step 4 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Add in the remaining 100 grams powdered sugar and beat until well combined.

  5. 5

    Add lemon zest

    1 min
    Step 5 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Add in the lemon zest of 1 lemon.

  6. 6

    Sift in flour

    2 min
    Step 6 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)Step 6 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Sift in 250 grams flour and mix well until fully combined and the batter is smooth.

  7. 7

    Transfer to baking pan

    2 min
    Step 7 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

  8. 8

    Prepare apples

    3 min
    Step 8 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Core and thinly slice 4 apples.

  9. 9

    Top the batter with apple slices

    2 min
    Step 9 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Arrange the apple slices on the batter, slightly overlapping the slices.

  10. 10

    Make topping

    2 min
    Step 10 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    In a medium bowl, beat together 250 grams sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.

  11. 11

    Pour topping over apples

    2 min
    Step 11 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Use a ladle to pour the prepared topping evenly over the apples.

  12. 12

    Bake

    35 min
    Step 12 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

  13. 13

    Cool

    10 min
    Step 13 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before removing and slicing into squares.

  14. 14

    Serve

    Step 14 - German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen)

    Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

This German Apple Cake (Mannheimer Apfelkuchen) combines sweet apples and a lemon-infused batter topped with a creamy cinnamon sour cream mixture, making it a delightful and eye-catching fall dessert. Did you make this recipe? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (21 reviews)
Oliver
June 23, 2025
Verified

Man, this German Apple Cake is a total winner. Made it for our family dinner and the kids couldn’t get enough. It felt just like fall at home.

Sammy
May 16, 2025
Verified

This German Apple Cake is simply fantastic. I made it for Sunday family tea, and everyone loved it. The combination of apples and the creamy topping was a real highlight. It brought back memories of my grandmother's baking, making it all the more special.

Nina
May 5, 2025
Verified

Absolutely scrumptious cake!

Linda Johnson
May 2, 2025
Verified

Delicious! I made this cake for a family gathering, and it was a huge success. The apples added a lovely sweetness, and the sour cream topping was the perfect finishing touch.

Tina
March 31, 2025
Verified

OMG, y'all! I made this German Apple Cake for a family get-together, and it was a total hit! My fam couldn't get enough. It's super simple, just the way I like it! The apples and hints of lemon made it taste like fall. Def gonna keep this in the recipe box!

Elsie
March 29, 2025
Verified

Superb autumn joy!

Zoe
March 19, 2025
Verified

Totally nailed it!

Indy
March 18, 2025
Verified

Super yummy cake

Finn
March 7, 2025
Verified

Heavenly

Bella
March 4, 2025
Verified

Superb! Our family enjoyed this cake during our fall gathering. The aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the house. It was a perfect treat with coffee, and very easy to make!

Yvonne Harris
March 3, 2025
Verified

This German Apple Cake is simply fab! Made it for a family gathering last weekend, and it was a hit! So easy to whip up and the apples were delish. Perfect with my cuppa! Will defo make again.

Jane Smith
February 20, 2025
Verified

Superb cake for family gatherings. Loved it!

Zach
February 7, 2025
Verified

Yum! Made this for our potluck, and it was a big hit! So easy to whip up, and everyone loved the flavor. Felt like fall in my kitchen!

Franklin Smith
February 5, 2025
Verified

Absolutely delicious cake!

Andy
January 24, 2025
Verified

Yummm!

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