German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack set in the center. Coat a 9-inch springform pan that’s 3 inches tall with cooking spray. Wrap the bottom of the springform with aluminum foil to prevent any butter or batter from leaking.

Step 2

Stir together flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, the salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Put ¾ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, until the yolk disappears. Add flour mixture on low speed and mix until combined, making sure there are no lumps. Beat in vanilla.

Step 4

Spread batter into an even layer in the prepared springform pan. Arrange apple slices on top in 2 concentric circles. Gently press apples into the batter slightly. Brush apples with melted butter. Stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar evenly over the apples.

Step 5

Bake cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55-60 minutes. Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and release the sides of the pan. Serve cake warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream, if you like.