When I first made this German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping Recipe, I knew it would become a family favorite. The fragrant aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery streusel filled my kitchen, making it impossible to wait until dessert. What

I love about this recipe is how effortlessly the delicate shortcrust pastry embraces the velvety vanilla custard, juicy apple chunks, and crunchy cinnamon crumble. You can also enjoy similar rich desserts like the Kahlua Chocolate Pudding Recipe for another comforting treat.

The result? Layers of irresistible textures and flavors that leave everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weekend treat or a gathering, this cake feels like a warm culinary hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe time and time again!

German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping is packed with flavors and has plenty of other reasons to win you over.

Effortlessly Elegant

This cake looks fancy but is simple to make. The layers come together easily, and the result is perfect for any occasion—from weekday indulgences to special celebrations. You don’t need advanced baking skills to pull this off beautifully. Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for a finishing touch.

A Perfect Balance of Textures

Each slice has it all! From the crispness of the streusel and freshness of the apples to the creamy custard and buttery base, every bite feels like a treat. The contrast keeps each forkful interesting and indulgent. It’s a textural dream that pairs beautifully with a hot drink.

Comforting Fall Flavors

Cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, and vanilla bring warm, cozy vibes that are perfect for the fall and winter months. It smells (and tastes) exactly like a homey dessert should. The scent alone will draw everyone to the kitchen. It’s the kind of flavor profile that never goes out of style.

Customizable Ingredients

With easy tweaks, you can make this recipe suit different dietary requirements or preferences without compromising flavor. From changing the apples to experimenting with the crust, versatility is in its DNA. Try a gluten-free crust or dairy-free custard for an inclusive twist.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Not only does this dessert stay fresh for days, but the components can also be made in advance. It’s a stress-free way to impress your guests! You can assemble the cake the night before and chill it until serving. Perfect for holiday prep or busy weekends when time is tight.

Cooking Time

Here’s the time breakdown for making this delightful cake:

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this luscious German apple cake:

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

1⅔ cups all-purpose flour (200g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
⅓ cup sugar (70g)
7 tablespoons cold butter (100g)
1 egg

For the Custard:

2 cups whole milk (500ml)
1 cup cream
2 packets vanilla pudding powder (or 8 tbsp cornstarch)
⅓ cup sugar (70g)
2 egg yolks

For the Streusel:

1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
6 tablespoons cold butter (75g)
½ cup sugar (75g)
⅓ cup chopped hazelnuts (50g)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

4–5 apples, peeled and chopped

Variations

Looking to make it your way? Here are some easy alternatives:

Make it Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk for the custard and swap butter with plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that works well for pastries.
Extra Indulgence: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple layer for a fruity twist.
Mix Up the Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of hazelnuts in the streusel for a different flavor profile. For chocolate lovers, you might also enjoy the creamy and decadent Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes Recipe as a delightful alternative dessert.

Equipment You’ll Need:

Springform pan (9-inch): Ensures easy removal of the cake.
Mixing bowls: For blending the layers.
Rolling pin: To roll out the shortcrust pastry.
Hand whisk or mixer: For making the custard filling effortlessly.

How to Make German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping?

Follow these simple steps to recreate this show-stopping dessert.

Step 1: Make the Shortcrust Pastry

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Work cold butter cubes into the mix until crumbly. Add the egg and knead into a smooth dough. Shape into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel

Combine flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, hazelnuts, and salt. Rub the mix with your fingers until crumbly. Chill the streusel while you make the custard.

Step 3: Make the Custard

Heat milk and cream in a pot, reserving 5 tablespoons of milk for mixing with pudding powder or cornstarch. Once the milk mixture is hot, whisk in the prepared custard mix with sugar. Gradually introduce the egg yolks and stir until thick. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin, then cool.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry and Layer

Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Roll the pastry to fit a 9-inch springform pan, leaving a 4 cm edge. Spread the chilled custard over the base, followed by a generous layer of apple chunks.

Step 5: Add the Streusel and Bake

Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the apples. Bake the cake for 50–60 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Cool the cake completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Want to perfect your apple dessert? These simple tips will help you get the best results every time:

Use Tart Apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best as their tartness balances the sweetness. They also hold their shape well during baking, giving you a great texture.

Chill the Dough: Cold dough is easier to roll and produces flakier results, so don’t skip the chilling step! Even a short chill can make a big difference in the final bake.

Customize the Streusel: Make the crumble finer or chunkier depending on your preference. A light hand creates textured crumbs. Try adding chopped nuts or oats for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Serve German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping?

The serving options are endless and always delicious.

Classic Style: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a clean, elegant look.
With Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy, cold contrast.
Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds extra indulgence and looks stunning.
Warm it Up: Lightly warm the cake and drizzle it with caramel sauce for a cozy dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each slice offers a balanced treat! Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep these German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping fresh and ready for whenever you need them.

Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

German Apple Cake with Custard and Streusel Topping is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your whole house will smell like heaven while it bakes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes memories and often becomes a family tradition. Go ahead and indulge in this layered masterpiece!

Ash Tyrrell