Our Potluck German Apple Cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the richness of flavor. The journey begins with a luscious batter of eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla, creating a base that promises both moistness and sweetness. A carefully crafted blend of flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt adds depth and warmth to the cake. The star of the show – chopped tart apples and pecans – brings a delightful crunch and a burst of autumn freshness. Baked to perfection, the cake emerges with a golden-brown hue and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. To crown this masterpiece, a velvety cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making each bite a moment of pure delight.
Substitutions and Variations:
Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to tailor the tartness and sweetness of the cake to your preference.
Closing:
As you savor a slice of our Potluck German Apple Cake, let the flavors transport you to a rustic German kitchen, where baking is a cherished tradition. Share this cake with friends, family, or colleagues at your next potluck, and watch as it becomes the star of the dessert table. With its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the warmth of fall in every bite and the joy of sharing a homemade delight with those you love.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of nut in the cake?
Certainly! Walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes for pecans, adding their unique flavors to the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually gets better with time as the flavors meld. Bake it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Potluck German Apple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-16 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups chopped peeled tart apples
3/4 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
Fold in the chopped apples and pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and fragrant.
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy.
Once the cake is done, cool it on a wire rack.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the cake before serving. This allows the frosting to set and enhances the overall taste.
Notes
For added richness, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground cloves to the dry mixture.
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- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: German Cuisine, Desserts, Potluck Recipes, Fall Baking
- Cuisine: German Cuisine