Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreusel Kuchen)

Jump to Recipe

Are you ready for a very delicious treat? This delightful Apfelstreusel Kuchen (Apple Streusel Cake) features layers of sweet vanilla cake, apples, and a luscious jam, all crowned with a crisp German streusel.

A slice of apple streusel cake (apfelstreusel kuchen) served on a plate.

💡 The recipe in a nutshell

The combination of sweet vanilla, tangy jam, apple slices, and streusel is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether it's morning or afternoon, with friends or in solitude, this authentic German apple cake is perfect for any occasion. Indulge and enjoy!

Vegan-friendly
Easy and quick to make
Traditional German-style baking
Versatile: works with other fruit, or without
Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, or tea

If you're a fan of German cuisine make sure to also try our quick German cherry streusel cake recipe, and our German cinnamon rolls recipe.

Jump to:

💡 The recipe in a nutshell
📋 Ingredients
🔄 Substitutions
💡 Variations
🍽 Equipment
👩🏽‍🍳 How To Make Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreusel Kuchen)
✨ Sprinkle's Expert Tips ✨
🍰 Serving Ideas
💭 Recipe FAQ
🥣 Storage & Freezing Instructions
🍏 More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

📋 Ingredients

To make the delicious Apple Streusel Cake at home, gather the following ingredients:

Streusel:

butter, we use Earth Balance's vegan butter sticks
cane sugar
unbleached all-purpose flour
oats

Cake (Rührteig):

butter, we use Earth Balance's vegan butter
milk, we like to use oat milk
cook & serve vanilla pudding powder
cane sugar
unbleached all-purpose flour
baking powder
apples or other fruit of your choice
apple jam or applesauce
ground cinnamon

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

🔄 Substitutions

If you're looking for substitutions or alternatives, here are some suggestions:

Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
Cane Sugar: You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Milk: Any milk of choice will work.
Vanilla Pudding Powder: If unavailable, you can make it yourself using cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Feel free to adapt based on your preferences and dietary needs.

💡 Variations

Explore different variations to make this Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreusel Kuchen) your own:

Muffins: You can turn this recipe into muffins! Prepare the streusel and cake batter as directed, then layer them in muffin cups, adding apples and cinnamon. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until a tooth pick comes out clean, and enjoy your streusel apple muffins.
Nutmeg Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel for a warm and cozy flavor.
Mixed Fruit Delight: Combine various fruits like berries, peaches, or pears for a medley of flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the streusel for added texture.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an indulgent touch.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and your own ideas to create the perfect Apple Streusel Cake!

🍽 Equipment

For baking this delightful cake, ensure you have the following kitchen essentials:

Baking Pan: 9x9 inches (23 x 23 cm) is the ideal size for this recipe.
Whisk and Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients.
Spatula: To smoothly spread the cake batter in the baking pan.
Spoon or Spatula: For layering jam or applesauce and fruit onto the cake.

👩🏽‍🍳 How To Make Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreusel Kuchen)

Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to create this irresistible Apple Streusel Cake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
Spray or lay parchment paper in your 9x9 inches baking pan.
Wash your fruit and cut it into thin slices – set aside.

Streusel:

Melt vegan butter.
Mix all other ingredients for the streusel in one bowl. Slowly pour the melted butter in and stir with a fork.
Mix until you get a nice crumble. Cover and set aside.

Cake (Rührteig):

Melt butter, set aside.
In a mixing bowl using a whisk or electric mixer, combine 1 tablespoon of milk with the vanilla pudding powder until the powder dissolves completely. Gradually add remaining milk.
While stirring, add the melted margarine. Mix until everything is combined.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder together.
Add dry ingredients one by one to the wet ones, using a whisk or electric mixer. Don’t stir longer than necessary.

Assemble Cake:

Add the dough into the prepared baking tray and smooth it down.
Add a layer of jam or applesauce and fruit onto the dough with a spoon or spatula. Top with cinnamon, if desired.
Crumble the streusel on top and add another layer of cinnamon, if desired.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for around 45-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before you cut it into pieces.

✨ Sprinkle's Expert Tips ✨

Streusel Texture: For the perfect streusel, make sure to achieve a nice crumble by slowly pouring in the melted margarine.
Dough Consistency: When mixing the dough, aim for a smooth and firm consistency. Don't over-mix it.
Cinnamon Enhancement: Add an extra layer of cinnamon for a boost of warm spice.

🍰 Serving Ideas

You can serve your German Apfelstreusel Kuchen in various delightful ways:

Warm Slice: Enjoy a warm slice of cake on its own or with a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Afternoon Tea: Accompany your cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
Festive Dessert: Make it a festive dessert by dusting powdered sugar on top for a snowy and sweet effect.

💭 Recipe FAQ

In this section, you find answers to common questions about this recipe for Apfelstreusel Kuchen (Apple Streusel Cake):

Can I Freeze the Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the Apple Streusel Cake for future enjoyment. Ensure it's properly wrapped to maintain freshness.

How Long Does the Cake Last?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp texture.

Is the Cake Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats and pudding powder you are using are gluten-free friendly!

What pudding powder should I use?

This recipe calls for vanilla pudding powder, like Jell-O Cook & Serve or Dr. Oetker pudding powder. The cook and serve variety works best.

🥣 Storage & Freezing Instructions

Keep the baked Apfelstreusel Kuchen covered in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for a couple of days. Alternatively, cover and store the cake in the fridge, where it will last for up to a week!

Freezing: If desired, you can freeze the baked cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well or place it in a freezer-safe bag, and label it with the date of freezing. To defrost, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. If thawing at room temperature, leave the cake wrapped up; it will take around 1 to 2 hours to thaw.