Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Description

This German apfelkuchen dessert uses a yeasted dough but only needs 30 minutes to rise. It's a moist and subtly sweet cake, making it perfect for an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/8 cups warm milk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
3 large apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 ounces candied lemon peel, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter

Directions

1 Gather all ingredients. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch springform pan.
2 Beat 2 ¼ cups flour, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, 6 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract, and 1 pinch salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high until dough is smooth, about 5 minutes.
3 Spread into baking dish and press dough up the sides. Press apple slices into dough.
4 Mix 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, candied lemon peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 pinch salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a knife or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5 Sprinkle over apples. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
6 Bake in preheated oven until cake is golden brown and apples are tender, about 35 minutes.