Apple Kuchen is a cozy, old-fashioned apple dessert that reflects the German tradition of Kuchen, meaning simply “cake.” Kuchen recipes took many forms in American home kitchens, particularly in communities influenced by German and Central European baking traditions. This handwritten version begins with yellow cake mix enriched with butter or margarine and coconut, creating an easy crumbly base. Fresh apples are layered over the partially baked crust and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before a simple sour cream and egg mixture is poured over the top. A final bake sets the creamy topping while the apples become tender underneath. Part cake, part custard, and part apple dessert, it is especially inviting during apple season and makes a wonderful accompaniment to coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter ( or margarine, softened)
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- 20 oz sliced apples (1 can, drained, or about 2 1/2 cups sliced fresh apples)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Mixture
- Combine the yellow cake mix and softened butter or margarine until crumbly.
- Add the flaked coconut and mix lightly.
Step 3: Make the Crust
- Pack the crumb mixture lightly into an ungreased 13 × 9-inch baking pan.
Step 4: Partially Bake the Crust
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Apples
- Arrange the apples evenly over the partially baked crust.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon.
- 1 tbsp cinnamonSprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 7: Make the Sour Cream Topping
- Mix the sour cream with the 2 eggs until combined.
Step 8: Finish the Kuchen
- Pour the sour cream and egg mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 9: Bake
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the topping is set and the apples are tender.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Allow the Apple Kuchen to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a pleasant contrast to the sweet cake base.
- Sweeter apples such as Gala or Golden Delicious produce a milder dessert.
- The handwritten recipe allows either canned or fresh apples; drain canned apples thoroughly before using.
- Toast the coconut lightly before adding it for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra fall warmth.
- For cleaner slices, allow the kuchen to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before cutting.
- Serve slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples for additional texture.
- Refrigerate leftovers because of the sour cream and egg topping.
- Gently reheat individual portions before serving if you prefer the kuchen warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 6gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 1.5mg