German Apple Pie, or Apfelkuchen, is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering a buttery, flaky crust filled with spiced apples and finished with a rich whipped cream topping. This traditional dessert combines sweet and tart flavors, making it a comforting choice for any occasion. With its warm aroma and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for family gatherings, fall celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting and flavorful dessert with spiced apples and a flaky, buttery crust
- Rich and creamy with a dollop of whipped cream served on top
- Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart apple filling
- Simple ingredients that create a homemade masterpiece
- Can be made ahead and served at room temperature or warm
- Versatile: serve as a dessert or for afternoon tea
- Great for holiday celebrations or casual get-togethers
- The cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, aromatic touch
- A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to share
- Freezer-friendly—make it ahead of time for later enjoyment
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Gala apples work well)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Whipped cream (for serving)
directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- For the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and press it into the prepared pie dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- For the filling: Toss the apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- Drizzle the melted butter and heavy cream over the apple filling.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- Caramelized Apples: Add a bit of caramel sauce to the apple filling for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Variations: Experiment with different spices like allspice or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
- Crisp Topping: Instead of whipped cream, add a streusel topping with oats, sugar, and butter for a crunchy contrast.
- Frozen Apple Pie: Prepare the pie and freeze before baking. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 375°F for 60-75 minutes.
- Raisin Addition: Stir in a handful of raisins or currants into the apple filling for extra flavor.
- Butter Substitute: Use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of the crust.
- Almond Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer, unique sweetness.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free whipped cream to make this pie vegan-friendly.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing:
This apple pie can be frozen either before baking or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing before baking, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you cook it.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to warm it through before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Granny Smith and Gala apples work well, but any tart apple like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can also be used.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples gives the filling a smooth texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Make sure to bake the crust until golden brown before adding the filling. Additionally, sprinkling a small amount of cornstarch over the crust before adding the apple filling can help prevent sogginess.
Can I add nuts to the apple filling?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
How do I get a flaky crust?
Use cold butter and ice water and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the crust flaky.
Can I make this pie without cornstarch?
Yes, you can replace the cornstarch with flour or arrowroot powder, though cornstarch gives the best texture.
Can I skip the whipped cream?
Yes, while whipped cream is traditional, you can skip it or replace it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a different twist.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I freeze the crust and filling separately?
Yes, you can freeze the pie crust and filling separately for later use, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
Conclusion
German Apple Pie (Apfelkuchen) offers a warm and comforting dessert experience with its buttery crust, sweet spiced apple filling, and rich cream topping. This traditional recipe is perfect for enjoying in the fall or any time you’re craving a classic homemade pie. Simple, yet delicious, this treat will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
German Apple Pie (Apfelkuchen)
A traditional German apple pie, made with a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet spiced apple filling, topped with whipped cream for a rich and comforting dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Gala apples work well)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- To make the crust, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into the prepared pie dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
- For the filling, toss the apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle the melted butter and heavy cream over the apple filling to add richness.
- Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced flavor.
- If you prefer a more caramelized topping, bake the pie for a few extra minutes.
- For a twist, add a sprinkle of caramelized sugar on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg