Easy Homemade Apple Kuchen Recipe

Make yourself an impressive and yet easy Autumn-inspired dessert with this whole grain take on a traditional apple kuchen.

Kuchen is simply the German word for cake – don’t let that throw you or dissuade you from making this in any way. Buttery and rich, this great recipe is similar to a coffee cake loaded with fresh apples.

It’s good looking too, the top of the cake can be decorated with apple slices for a simple, decorative touch.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

The great thing about this recipe is that there’s nothing fancy – it’s very basic, flavorful ingredients combined for a tender, sweet cake. There are, of course, a few different ways to switch it up if you want to make it slightly differently.

Flour Choices

The original recipe is 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour. You could use 100% all-purpose flour, if desired. 100% whole wheat would also likely work but be a bit drier.

I didn’t test other flours but I don’t see why something like whole wheat pastry flour wouldn’t work delightfully.

Spices

Cinnamon and ginger are simply my favorite spices to combine with apples but you can feel free to switch it up based on your own preferences. A basic apple pie spice would work perfectly. Switch out the spices for things like cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, etc. Use what you like best or even feel free to skip the spice all together if it isn’t your thing.

You could skip the spice in the cake and sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar instead of plain granulated sugar as written in the recipe card below.

Apples

There are all kinds of guides to tell you which type of apples to use for baking versus canning versus eating, etc. I don’t worry about that so much. I just use whatever I have available from the tree in my backyard. Something tart like granny smith apples would provide a more tart flavor. However, I always suggest finding something local for the freshest, sweetest flavor.

I used an all-in-one apple peeler, corer, slicer that is a hand crank machine for the cake but you can feel free to do it by hand or even the peels on if desired. For the topping feel free to slice apples as thick or thin as desired.

For the top of the cake, feel free to place apples in whatever pattern you desire – make it simple or fancy.

Treat For Browning

You’ll need chopped apples for the cake base and sliced apples for the top of the cake. If desired, you can treat them to prevent browning as you get everything else ready.

Simply combine 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 Cups of water in a large bowl. Place your chopped and sliced apples in the water and let them soak for 5 minutes. Drain well and proceed with the recipe.

This isn’t necessary for the flavor of the cake but will keep the apples brighter if that’s important.

How to Serve

Honestly, this cake doesn’t need much of anything at all to make it an elegant apple dessert. Serve with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or tea for a simple after dinner treat.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream would be delightful. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.

Dust the entire cake or slices with powdered sugar just prior to serving.

How to Store

Place any leftover cake in an airtight container where it should stay fresh for up to 4 days.

For longer term storage, you can freeze by wrapping in plastic wrap or storing in freezer safe bags or containers. Let frozen cake thaw at room temperature. Use up frozen cake within 6 months for best flavor.

Looking for more new recipes featuring crisp apples? Try these favorites from our archives:

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