Authentic Apple Kuchen: Easy Custard & Crumb Recipe
Rated top among authentic Apple Kuchen recipes, this easy German dessert features a buttery shortbread crust, tart Granny Smith apples, and a rich, creamy vanilla custard. No yeast required!
Equipment
- 4-5 Large Baking Apples Use Granny Smith (tart) or Honeycrisp (sweet-firm). Peel, core, and slice uniformly.
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar Divided Use: Part for the apple coating, part for the sweet cream.
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream High fat content (36%+) is required for a silky, firm set.
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon The essential autumn spice.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste Paste adds beautiful black specks and robust flavor (extract is fine in a pinch).
Ingredients
- 5 large Baking Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled/sliced
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar Divided use
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
- Step 2
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until it looks like coarse wet sand. Add egg yolks and pulse briefly until clumps form.
- Step 3
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of your prepared pan to create a crust wall.
- Step 4
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Arrange them standing up in concentric circles on the crust. Mix the cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of the remaining sugar and sprinkle over the apples.
- Step 5
- First Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- Step 6
- Make the Custard: While the cake is in the oven, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla, and the rest of the sugar.
- Step 7
- The Pour: Remove the cake from the oven. Pour the cream mixture directly over the hot apples.
- Step 8
- Final Bake: Lower the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for another 30–40 minutes until the custard is set on the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Best Apples: We recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Braeburn for structure. Avoid Red Delicious.
Make it Tangy: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream for a "cheesecake" style Kuchen.
Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Best Apples: We recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Braeburn for structure. Avoid Red Delicious.
Make it Tangy: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream for a "cheesecake" style Kuchen.