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–+ servings
Dutch Apple Cake
Dutch-style apple cake marries the light, fluffy crumb of an old-fashioned coffee cake with the comforting flavors of cinnamon-kissed apples. Thought to have crossed the Atlantic with early Dutch settlers, the formula is simple: a tender batter bound with shortening, a strata of thinly-sliced tart apples, and a quick streusel that bakes into a crackly crust. Home bakers prized it for pantry-staple ingredients and its ability to go from mixing bowl to table in under an hour, ideal for afternoon “koffietijd,” school lunches, or a last-minute dessert when company called. The result is a golden, buttery square that’s just sweet enough to let the fruit shine and sturdy enough to travel well in picnic baskets or lunch pails.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Dutch
Servings 8 squares
Calories 235 kcal

Ingredients
  

Batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp shortening (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 egg (well beaten)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Streusel & Finish:

  • 2 cups apples (peeled, thinly sliced, tart)
  • 1 ½ tbsp butter (melted)
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Cut in Shortening

  • Using a pastry blender or fingers, work shortening into the dry mix until fine, pea-sized crumbs form.

Step 4: Add Wet Mixture

  • In a separate bowl beat egg, milk, and sugar until blended. Pour into flour mixture; stir just until a thick batter forms.

Step 5: Fill Pan

  • Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 6: Arrange Apples

  • Overlap apple slices over the surface, pressing lightly so they adhere.

Step 7: Butter & Streusel

  • Brush apples with melted butter. In a small cup combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over apples.

Step 8: Bake

  • Bake 35–40 minutes until apples are tender and a toothpick in the cake comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

  • Cool in pan 15 minutes; serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Add thinly sliced apples between batter and topping for a more pronounced “apple cake.”
  • Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper warm-spice flavor.
  • Swap shortening for unsalted butter for richer taste.
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla to the batter for aroma and depth.
  • Replace part of the milk with buttermilk for a tender crumb.
  • Use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the topping for a caramel-like crust.
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the topping for crunch.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Bake in a cast-iron skillet for extra browning and rustic texture.
  • Double the topping mixture for an extra-sweet crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3.5gFat: 8.5gSaturated Fat: 3.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword apple cake, baked dessert, cinnamon, comfort food, heirloom recipe, homemade, old fashioned, vintage
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