Barbara'S German Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: German

A moist, flavorful apple cake infused with cinnamon and walnuts, perfect for fall or anytime comfort, appealing to fruit and spice lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 to 4 peeled, cored, and chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl with a fork.
  2. Mix sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a smaller bowl with a whisk.
  3. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly by hand.
  4. Add peeled, cored, and chopped apples and chopped walnuts; mix well.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch round spring-form pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  7. Cool thoroughly. Top with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra moisture, consider adding a cup of unsweetened applesauce to the batter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. To enhance the cinnamon flavor, try using freshly ground cinnamon. Make sure to chop the apples uniformly for even baking, and if you like a richer taste, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful German apple cake with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a simple finish. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or with a side of Raspberries St. Moritz for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy cold. This cake also freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbara'S German Apple Cake contains roughly 399 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

399 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 22.8g 29% DV
Carbs 45.3g 16% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1059.4mg 46% DV
Potassium 278.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 116.8mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 230.1mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 195.3mg 15% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for added flavor complexity. Just ensure the apples are firm and hold up well during baking to maintain texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well. The cake should still turn out moist and delicious.

How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apples to brighten their taste. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spice profile, which complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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