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This German Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is definitely one German potluck dessert recipe that’s absolutely perfect for the Autumn baking season.

More Fall baking? You’ll go ga-ga over these Easy Dutch Crumble Apple Pie Bars, these Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies, these Easy Homemade Apple Crisp and these Easy Applesauce Bars!

What is German Spiced Apple Cake?

It’s a moist, delicious, moist and chewy apple spice cake accompanied with warm, cozy spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and has a bountiful abundance of mini chunks of apples and crunchy pecans baked right in! You may want to indulge in these Scrumptious German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Frosting too!

But let’s not forget…There’s an adequate, layer of enticing cream cheese frosting on top, which just makes it even more mouth-watering and do I dare-say addicting? Or should we just not go there?

For the record, this cream cheese frosting is really what makes this cake even more amazing!

I say we go there! Am I drawing you in? It has delicious, creamy tangy and buttery tones, which help bring out all those spices and flavors of the cake even more.

We even have the Dreamy Apple Cake Love! We’re all about the apple cake recipes, especially this German apple cake recipe!

Regardless, you can enjoy it with no frosting, but you’re missing out! Dollop a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top as more variations to serve it to your guests!

Pssst…You won’t want to miss out on this Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Banana Bread either!

For those who love the unique sweet and spicy taste of German flavors, the German Spiced Apple Cake is a must-try. Combining sweet apples with delicious spices, this delectable cake is a classic German dessert that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level.

With a short number of ingredients and minimal work, this cake can be prepared in a matter of minutes, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

So get ready to savor the sweet and spicy flavors of this classic German potluck dessert!

Ingredients You Need

German Spiced Apple Cake

eggs
granulated sugar
oil of choice I used olive oil, but you can use canola, avocado or vegetable oil
unsweetened applesauce
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour, I used ½ whole wheat flour and ½ all purpose flour
ground cinnamon
nutmeg
baking soda
salt
tart apples peeled and very finely chopped or grated (I used Granny Smith, but you could use Gala or any baking apple for that matter)
chopped pecans or walnuts toasted if preferred

Cream Cheese Frosting

cream cheese
butter
confectioners’ sugar
vanilla extract
salt

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

German Spiced Apple Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce and vanilla extract until completely combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
Fold in apples and pecans or walnuts with a rubber spatula. Spread very thick batter into prepared pan.
Bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Place cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer until smooth.
Add vanilla extract, salt and confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
Spread on top of cake. Add more pecans or walnuts if you want extra.
Store leftovers in refrigerator or serve room temperature.

Storing German Spiced Apple Cake

Room Temperature: An apple cake can stay fresh for up to 3 days if it is kept at room temperature, however with the cream cheese frosting, you should refrigerate it and bring it to room temperature if desired.

Refrigerator: This cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container.

Substitutions for German Spiced Apple Cake

If you don’t want to frost, you can dust with powdered sugar to give it a nice look.
For the oil, you can substitute with applesauce or do 1/2 oil and 1/2 applesauce, for a healthier option.
For the all-purpose flour, you can use ½ whole wheat flour and ½ all purpose flour, for a healthier option.

Toasting Nuts Give More Flavor!

For more intense flavor and crunchiness, you can toast the pecans or walnuts, if they’re not toasted or roasted when you purchase them.

The simplest way to toast nuts is in a medium oven (325°F).
Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet with a rim and toast 5 – 10 minutes.
When they’re lightly browned and the aromatic smell of the nuts roasting hits your schnoz, you’ll know they are done and ready. 🙂
YUM! Let cool before adding to your cake.

In conclusion, cooking a German Spiced Apple Cake can be the perfect holiday treat that is sure to please any crowd. Not only is this cake decadent and enjoyable, but by using a variety of spices, it also adds a layer of complexity and flavor that will make it stand out from the rest.

With this recipe, you can bring a little piece of Germany into your own kitchen and create a lasting memory for your friends and family that will be cherished for years to come.

It is great for a fall picnic, snacking with a cup of coffee (which is what I do) tailgating or taking to a friend, neighbor or family just because. It’s a favorite fall dessert for sure! Happy baking! Check out 45 Must-Try Best Apple Dessert Recipes for more apple recipes!

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More Apple Desserts We Love!!

Swedish Apple Pie (aka Apple Crack)
Caramel Apple Toffee Cake
Ultimate Soft Caramel Apple Drop Cookies
Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread!
25 Apple-icious Desserts That’ll Tempt You
Heavenly Baked Apple Dumplings
Chunky Apple Walnut Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting