Traditional German Apple Custard Cake 🍏🥧🍮✨
A warm and cozy apple cake with creamy vanilla custard and buttery crust! Straight from a Bavarian kitchen — tender apples wrapped in nostalgic sweetness.
Ingredients 🛒
Crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tbsp cold water
Filling
- 4–5 firm apples (Braeburn or Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions 👩🍳
- Make crust: Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Rub until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water. Knead lightly until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare filling: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Custard: Heat milk in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Slowly add hot milk, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.
- Assemble: Roll out crust and press into a greased springform pan. Spread apples evenly over crust. Pour custard over apples.
- Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes until custard is set and lightly golden.
- Serve: Cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Extra indulgence: Add raisins or sliced almonds to the filling.
- Variation: Use half apples and half pears for a fruity twist.
- Serving idea: Best enjoyed with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Kcal: ~280 per slice
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Apfelkuchen mit Vanillecreme—creamy custard, tender apples, and buttery crust 🍏🥧🍮✨”
- Comment prompt: “Would you enjoy it with whipped cream or ice cream?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next cozy bake.” • “Tag a friend who loves German desserts.” • “Classic Bavarian comfort in every slice.”