Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Dec. 29, 2023
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio

Ingredients

  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 2 small to medium tart apples, peeled, cored and halved
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1-1/4 cups sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • Confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Let egg yolks stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Starting 1/2 in. from 1 end, cut apple halves lengthwise into 1/4-in. slices, leaving them attached at the top so they fan out slightly.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, sift flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking powder and salt twice. Gradually beat into creamed mixture. Add milk; mix well (batter will be thick).
  3. Spread batter into a greased 9-in. springform pan wrapped in heavy-duty foil. Gently press apples, round side up, into batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, 45-55 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen side from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Remove rim from pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 422 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.