easy german apple cake
This Easy German Apple Cake is soft, spiced, and filled with tender apples and crunchy pecans — all topped with a creamy swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. A comforting fall favorite that’s easy enough for everyday baking, but delicious enough for any family gathering.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 4 cups tart apples peeled and finely chopped (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp half-and-half or milk to adjust consistency
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until pale and glossy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in chopped apples and pecans. The batter will be thick.
- Step 6: Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Step 8: Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and milk, then mix in powdered sugar until creamy.
- Step 9: Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For extra depth, toast pecans before folding into the batter. Let frosting sit for 5 minutes before spreading for easier application.