Sunken Apple Cake
AI-generated image
Vegetarian German

Sunken Apple Cake

A classic German apple cake with a tender lemon-scented butter batter and thin apple slices that sink into the surface as they bake. The edges turn lightly golden while the fruit becomes soft and jammy.

75 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 23 cm round springform pan and line the base with baking paper.
2
Beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl for 3 to 4 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture just until no dry streaks remain; do not overmix.
4
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles, pressing them gently halfway into the batter.
Apple slices arranged in concentric circles on cake batter AI-generated image
5
Bake on the center rack for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. The apples should be tender when pierced.
6
Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then release the sides and transfer it to a rack. Brush the warm apples with the apricot jam and cool completely, about 45 minutes.
7
Dust the cooled cake with confectioners' sugar, cut into wedges, and serve.
Sliced sunken apple cake dusted with confectioners' sugar AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Creamed butter gives the batter a fine, tender crumb, while the apple slices release just enough moisture to create the cake's characteristic sunken fruit pockets without making it heavy.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to reheat it

Warm individual slices in a 160°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or microwave briefly until just warm.

Nutrition / serving

332kcal
4.44 gprotein
49.54 gcarbs
13.93 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 9 Aug 2026 · updated 13 Aug 2026