Enjoy a slice of this classic apple kuchen, a German pastry made with a sweet yeast dough, fresh apples, and a cinnamon streusel topping. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy fall dessert. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the tender apples, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the apple filling:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the apple filling.
- In a medium bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides.
- Spread the apple filling over the dough, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
- Allow the kuchen to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy a delightful slice of apple kuchen with your favorite topping, such as whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
Interesting Facts
Apple kuchen is a popular German dessert that originated in the Swabian region of Germany.
Kuchen is the German word for 'cake', and this pastry is often enjoyed as a sweet treat or coffee cake.
In German households, apple kuchen is a beloved recipe that is passed down through generations.
The combination of the buttery crust, tender apples, and cinnamon streusel makes for a heavenly dessert.