If there’s one baking tradition that brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season into your home, it’s the delightful aroma of a freshly baked German Christmas cake. One such timeless recipe that perfectly captures the essence of festive cheer is the Kirsch Apfel Kuchen, also known as the Cherry Apple Cake. This scrumptious cake combines the sweetness of cherries with the tartness of apples, all nestled in a moist and tender cake batter. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
**Kirsch Apfel Kuchen Cherry Apple Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
– 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries along with the diced apple, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a festive finish.
This Kirsch Apfel Kuchen Cherry Apple Cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of mulled wine on a cold winter day. Its balance of flavors, from the juicy cherries to the tender apples, creates a harmonious blend that is sure to impress your guests or simply bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy a quiet moment at home, this German Christmas cake is a true delight for the senses. Add this recipe to your baking repertoire for a taste of traditional holiday cheer that never goes out of style.
