A classic German dessert that never fails to charm with its rich flavors and flaky crust, Gedeckter Apfelkuchen translates to “covered apple cake.” A delightful treat for any occasion, this traditional pastry boasts layers of tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a golden crust that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into creating this delicious Gedeckter Apfelkuchen in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 pounds firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub the mixture between your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, mix the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger than the other.
4. Roll out the larger dough portion on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to line the bottom and sides of the springform pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the dough in the pan to absorb excess moisture from the apples.
6. Layer half of the sliced apples on top of the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle with half of the raisins and half of the cinnamon.
7. Repeat with the remaining apples, raisins, and cinnamon.
8. Roll out the smaller dough portion and carefully place it on top of the apple filling, pressing the edges to seal the cake.
9. Using a sharp knife, make a few small cuts on the top dough layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Bake the Gedeckter Apfelkuchen in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before releasing the springform and transferring the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Enjoy a slice of this delicious Gedeckter Apfelkuchen with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of classic German baking. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this apple-filled treat is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a homemade slice of Gedeckter Apfelkuchen with your loved ones today!
