This rich German Apple Cake is a classic, but I’ve topped it with tangy, fluffy Buttermilk Frosting that sends it over the top!
Have I bored you silly with Apple recipes yet? No?
Well, this German Apple Cake is ACTUALLY the co-star in this recipe. It’s true.
I have to say the Buttermilk Frosting is the lead actor here. You all know how I feel about my frosting…and to wholeheartedly admit that I have a new favorite…well, I feel like you guys should all take note.
The cake is loaded with apples, cinnamon…all the delicious players that go into an apple cake. And yes, for those of you heathens who “don’t like frosting” you can eat this cake nekkid.
Even a light coating of powdered sugar would be sufficient. But. BUT. If you want to take your life to the next level I urge you to make this frosting and slather it all up on this cake…and then on everything else in your life.
Let’s talk details…
Apples. Obvi.
Chop them. Duh.
Mix them in your batter.
Bake.
Sigh, so pretty.
Then get to the important part. The frosting. The whipped, tangy, buttery, rich love of my life.
Adding buttermilk into this buttercream frosting adds a slight tang that will have you dipping your spoon into again and again.
I am mildly obsessed if you haven’t noticed.
Make the cake, yes, but definitely make the frosting.
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German Apple Cake with Fluffy Buttermilk Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- 4 Granny Smith apples sliced and diced
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (if using salted butter omit)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C
- Spray a 9×13 pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine oil, eggs, sugar and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until pale in color and creamy.
- Add in the cinnamon, salt and baking soda and mix until combined.
- Turn the mixer to low and add in the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
- Stir in the apples.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Frosting
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter, salt and sugar together until combined. Add in the buttermilk and continue mixing until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Spread on the cooled cake.
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Helpful tip… Out of buttermilk?
It is way too soon to be tired of apple recipe!! I have never met a cake that wouldn’t have been better with frosting 🙂
THAT frosting! I just want to face plant in it! 😀
Buttermilk buttercream frosting?? You’re a crazy woman! LOL
What, what!!!!! I am so…making this…..thank you Shelly! : )
Looks sooo good! Do you think this recipe could be adapted into cupcakes?!
I am sure it could. Just bake them for 15-20 minutes and test them for doneness!
I know u r probably tired of this ? But when does your cookbook get released? I have preordered it and I just am too excited to get it. Btw, this cake looks amazing.
I’m definitely gonna try this!!!
Would it be bad manners to plunge face first into this? Oh, okay, I’ll wait until everyone else has has a slice, and then I’ll plunge. All over my face? who cares, that frosting will probably make a good moisturizer while I’m at it.
This buttermilk frosting sounds so good! I must try next time I am making apple cake 🙂
Seeing this, this early in the early morning hours is making me hungry. Full of wonderful yumminess.
I’m not much of a frosting person but I bet this would be good warmed with a dollop of cool whip on top drizzled with caramel sauce.