Unbelievably Moist German Sheet Pan Apple Cake: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a simple apple cake, especially when it fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. This German Sheet Pan Apple Cake, or *Apfelkuchen* as it’s known in Germany, takes that comfort to the next level. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the generous amount of apples and a secret ingredient (we’ll get to that!), and the sheet pan format makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. Forget fussy layers and complicated decorations – this cake is all about ease and deliciousness. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit, look no further. This recipe is your new best friend.

## Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular version is so special:

* **Unmatched Moistness:** The combination of grated apples *and* diced apples ensures that the cake stays incredibly moist for days. The grated apples release their moisture into the batter, while the diced apples provide pockets of juicy apple flavor.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry already. No fancy or hard-to-find items here!
* **Sheet Pan Convenience:** Baking in a sheet pan means no layering, no frosting (unless you want to!), and easy slicing. It’s the perfect format for casual gatherings or everyday enjoyment.
* **Adaptable:** This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add nuts, raisins, different spices, or even a streusel topping. Get creative!
* **Beginner-Friendly:** Even if you’re new to baking, you can easily master this recipe. The steps are straightforward, and the results are forgiving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing German Sheet Pan Apple Cake:

**For the Cake:**

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g). Provides the structure for the cake.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 cups (400g). Sweetens the cake and adds moisture.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons. Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Helps with leavening and adds a slight tang.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 2 teaspoons. Adds warmth and that classic apple pie flavor.
* **Eggs:** 4 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 cup (240ml). Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Applesauce (Unsweetened):** 1 cup (240ml). This is the secret ingredient that adds *even more* moisture and a subtle apple flavor. It also helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Apples:** 4 cups, peeled and diced (about 4 medium apples). Use a firm variety like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
* **Powdered Sugar (Optional):** For dusting the finished cake.

**Equipment:**

* **9×13 inch Sheet Pan:** This is the standard size for this recipe.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the sheet pan for easy removal and cleanup.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Medium Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer):** For beating the wet ingredients.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding in the apples.
* **Apple Peeler, Corer, and Dicer (Optional):** To make prepping the apples easier.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part – making the cake! Follow these detailed instructions for a guaranteed success:

**1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Line your 9×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to lift out after baking. Leave some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

**2. Prepare the Apples:**

* Peel, core, and dice the apples into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. You should have about 4 cups of diced apples. Toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).

**3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps of baking powder or baking soda.

**4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:**

* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and applesauce until well combined.

**5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**6. Fold in the Apples:**

* Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**7. Pour into the Prepared Pan:**

* Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly to the edges. The batter will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal.

**8. Bake the Cake:**

* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges of the cake should be golden brown.

**9. Cool the Cake:**

* Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely.

**10. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Once the cake is cooled, dust it with powdered sugar (optional). Slice into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

## Tips for Baking the Perfect Apple Cake

* **Use the Right Apples:** Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Softer apples like McIntosh may become mushy.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and then gently fold in the apples.
* **Check for Doneness with a Skewer:** Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely:** Cooling the cake completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This German Sheet Pan Apple Cake is delicious as is, but here are some ideas for variations and add-ins to customize it to your liking:

* **Streusel Topping:** Add a buttery streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor. Combine flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and crumble over the top of the cake before baking.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cake before baking. These add a nutty flavor and texture.
* **Raisins:** Add raisins or other dried fruits to the batter for a chewy sweetness.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. These will add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake after it has cooled for a decadent treat.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** For a richer, more decadent dessert, top the cooled cake with a cream cheese frosting.
* **Apple Cider Glaze:** Make a simple glaze with apple cider and powdered sugar and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
* **Use Different Fruits:** While this recipe is specifically for apple cake, you can easily adapt it to use other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries.

## Serving Suggestions

This German Sheet Pan Apple Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **As is:** Simply slice and serve the cake on its own. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a warm slice of apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **With Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a sweet and decadent dessert.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** This cake is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **For Brunch:** Serve slices of apple cake as part of a brunch spread.
* **For Potlucks and Gatherings:** The sheet pan format makes this cake ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a different type of apple?**
Yes, you can use other firm apple varieties like Braeburn or Gala. Softer apples like McIntosh are not recommended, as they may become mushy during baking.
* **Can I use gluten-free flour?**
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular all-purpose flour. However, you may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the structure of the cake.
* **Can I reduce the amount of sugar?**
You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the moisture and tenderness of the cake. Reducing it too much may result in a drier cake.
* **Can I freeze this cake?**
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
* **My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?**
Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cake. Make sure to check for doneness with a skewer and remove the cake from the oven as soon as it is done. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
* **My cake sank in the middle. What happened?**
Sinking can be caused by a few factors, including using old baking powder or baking soda, overmixing the batter, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking.

## German Sheet Pan Apple Cake Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
* 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened applesauce
* 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
* Powdered sugar (optional), for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Peel, core, and dice the apples.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and applesauce.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and slice to serve.

## Final Thoughts

This German Sheet Pan Apple Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a warm and comforting experience in your kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The moistness and delicious apple flavor will keep you coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade happiness. Happy baking!

Enjoy this delightful cake and share it with your loved ones! The simplicity and flavor are sure to make it a family favorite.