German Kuchen
A traditional German cake that's simple and versatile, perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits with a buttery, tender crumb.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2.5 cups 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup ¾ cup cold butter Use European-style butter for better results.
- 2 large 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup ½ cup whole milk You can substitute with 2% milk.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping
- 4 cups 4 cups seasonal fruit (apples, plums, peaches, or berries) Choose your favorite seasonal fruit.
- 0.25 cup ¼ cup sugar Adjust based on fruit sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Streusel (Optional)
- 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup ½ cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup ½ cup cold butter
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Make a well in the center of your flour mixture, pour in the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
Preparing the Fruit
- Wash and dry your chosen fruit, and cut into uniform pieces (about ½-inch for most fruits).
- Toss fruit with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, and let sit for 10 minutes to release natural juices.
Making the Streusel (Optional)
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cut in cold butter until crumbly. Keep cold until ready to use.
Assembly
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Press the base dough into the pan, creating a 1-inch rim around the edges. Arrange fruit in an attractive pattern and top with streusel if using.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
Fresh Kuchen keeps at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerates for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.